"Wake up! Wake up, Amelia!" - A little girl pounded a quilt with her tiny fists. As it struck all the square patterns in shades of violet and red, a few soft feathers flew out and gently fell on the wooden, paneled floor.

Amelia, still under her blankets, shifted her position to sit, leaning against the headrest. Her long, wavy, silver hair laid on the pillows, spread spanning from one the left edge of the bed, to the right one.

Amelia wiped her eyes and yawned, her golden pupils rested on a little intruder.

Beatrice climbed onto a giant bed, she struggled with her lean and petite silhouette. She rested her hands right in the middle of her brown leather skirt, where a large pocket was.

Warm sunbeams were entering through narrow gaps in curtains and shed light on Beatrice's bright, wide white smile.

Amelia protected her eyes with a forearm, the light irritated her pale, delicate skin, which contrasted Beatrice's healthy brown tan and chestnut hair. - "What is it, Beatrice?" - Amelia muttered lazily.

"It's today! The first day of stargazing season!" - Beatrice exclaimed with excitation.

"Oh. I forgot." - Amelia uttered in an unemotional manner, still sleepy, she reached for a wide straw hat with a yellow flower.

"Amelia, but you promised to prepare the sweets!"

"Oh."

"Please, don't tell me, you forgot that too."

"No, no..." - Amelia tried to hide her embarrassed expression.

"No?"

"Maybe only a bit."

"How much is 'only a bit'?" - Beatrice crossed her arms, through her squinted eyes, one could notice a glimpse of judgment. - "Is the cake ready?"

"Uhm. Almost! The ingredients are in the fridge."

In one deciseful move, Beatrice stood up and lifted the quilt, then pointed at the door. - "To the kitchen!"

[ . . . ]

Amelia covered her face as she yawned and slowly shuffled towards the guest room. She was still in her unicorn pajama. Beatrice danced around her, shifting across the room with an optimistic smile.

"What do you want for breakfast?" - Beatrice asked as she was putting the cloth on the round table.

"Flakes." - Amelia moved a chair, situated herself, then rested her arms and head on the oak top. Her eyes slowly closed and she was back half asleep.

"Where do you keep them?"

"In the second cabinet on the left of daffodils."

Beatrice couldn't reach it, so she aided herself with a stool. - "Rainbow sparks? They're all sugar! You shouldn't eat that!"

"They're delicious."

Beatrice pouted as she stared at still drowsy Amelia. - "No wonder you're sleepy all the time. You need healthy meals!"

"But..."

"No but!" - Beatrice jumped down the stool and ran to the fridge. - "Do you have enough honey?"

"Mhm." - Amelia murmured affirmatively.

Beatrice quickly whisked together ingredients in the bowls, then started cooking. A sweet aroma spread throughout the kitchen. A couple of raspberries for decoration and it was ready!

"Here!" - A platter full of pancakes hit the table, waking Amelia with the impact.

[ . . . ]

"...and?" - Beatrice said with a confident smirk as she rested her chin on her intertwined hands.

"They're good." - Amelia commented with a full mouth.

"I'm happy to hear that!" - Beatrice smiled brightly.

"...but they could use more salt and a bit of applesauce."

Beatrice's smiled disappeared. She sighed. - "Thanks, I'll try to remember next time."

"Oh, don't worry." - Amelia responded in a gentle voice. - "I'm sure you'll improve in time."

"I don't want to just improve! I want it to be perfect, like yours!" - Beatrice complained.

"Perfection is a disease." - Amelia silently murked out.

"What is it?" - Beatrice couldn't hear.

"Nothing, nothing! I want you to aim higher, next time, make it even better than mine!"

"Better than yours!? That's impossible!"

[ . . . ]

Amelia was dressed in her white skirt, she had a willow basket with sandwiches and a chocolate cake in her left arm, and Beatrice was holding her by the right.

"Did you pack everything?" - Beatrice asked.

"Mhm. I think so."

"Let's go then!"

The doors closed with a creak. Amelia's pink house was located in the middle of a forest of giant roses.

Beatrice tightened her grip around Amelia's arm, her heart was slightly frightened. - "I don't understand, why do you live in a place like this." - She looked at the sharp thorns. - "Aren't you afraid to hurt yourself."

"Oh, no, no. I know these paths well."

"...but still, it's dangerous, couldn't you live with us?"

"Sweetheart, it's still loud in the town in the afternoon. How would I be able to sleep?"

Beatrice lowered her head and saddened. - "I just... missed you so much."

"You're always welcomed here." - Amelia smiled. - "You were brave today to come all on your own."

Beatrice gripped even tighter. - "It's the only day when the forest lets me in."

"Oh, it always lets you in."

"No, you don't understand! It's way scarier on other days. The vines are curvier... and... and the thorns turn black."

"I always told you, nothing bad will happen to you. You're under my protection."

This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

Beatrice grumbled unconfidently. - "Yes, you always say that, but you're not there with me. How will I know that you protect me?"

"I always protect you, you just have to believe."

[ . . . ]

"You're finally here!" - Amelia and Beatrice were welcomed by a young, elven girl with blonde hair.

"Jennifer!" - Beatrice let go of Amelia's hand and ran towards the elf, then hugged her tightly.

"Are you ready for the stargazing night, little Bee?" - Jennifer asked in a gentle voice as she combed the girl's hair.

"Yes! We baked a chocolate cake!" - The little girl replied.

"Mmm, I can already feel it, it has a delicious aroma." - Jennifer said with closed eyes as she lifted her nose.

"Greetings, Jennifer." - Amelia welcomed the elf, she was still standing in the shadow of a forest.

"Greetings, Amelia. I hope Beatrice's lessons are going well." - Jennifer smiled.

"She's a diligent student." - Amelia smiled back.

"I've made her pancakes! All by myself!" - Beatrice added, proud of herself.

"Oh, haha. You shouldn't spoil our Amelia that much." - Jennifer giggled. - "If you start serving her, she won't leave the bed all day."

Beatrice laughed heartily, she agreed.

The trio of girls started leisurely marching in the direction of the town. The rose forest was slowly disappearing in the background, replaced by a village in green hills. Various races of citizens, fox, rabbit, and mouse-eared, were raising poles and connecting them with thick ropes, which were further decorated by stars crafted from folded paper.

"Oh, look who is here!" - A woman called the citizens around her and waved to Amelia and her companions. - "Welcome back, Bee."

An older man, standing next to Beatrice, shook hands with Beatrice and handed her some sweets. - "Were you working hard, little Bee?"

"Yes!" - Beatrice grinned from ear to ear.

"Bee is back!" - One of the younger boys shouted to a group of children who were playing with a ball, and they all gathered around Beatrice.

"Were you in the forest, again?" - The same boy asked, a bit in disbelief.

"Yes." - Bee replied.

"Did you meet any monsters?" - The boy eagerly inquired.

"No..."

"I told you, there are no monsters in the forest! You lost!" - A lizard girl with twin tails approached, waiting for the boy to admit defeat.

"...but ...but Amelia! You tell her!" - The boy protested.

Amelia smiled gently, but avoided answering the question. - "The forest is a very mysterious place, nobody can tell what it hides."

"See? I told you, there can be monsters!" - The boy argued.

"She didn't confirm it!" - The girl shouted.

"She didn't deny it!" - The boy replied.

"Please, my dear children, don't fight." - Amelia requested in a calm voice.

"No, Miss! We're not fighting." - Both kids turned on their feet to Amelia, and said at the same time.

"Good, because naughty children won't get their presents!" - Amelia smiled.

The lizard girl shyly voiced her doubts. - "...but you always bring gifts to everyone."

Amelia smiled and patted both kids. - "Because you always promise to behave, and you keep that promise."

The two kids smiled brightly, revealing their teeth.

"Now, don't forget to help!" - Amelia reminded. - "There are still a lot of stars to hang!"

"Yes, Miss!" - The kids replied and the group happily moved to help their parents, they all wanted to earn their presents.

"Amelia, how is it, that you always bring the best presents to everyone?" - Beatrice asked, she was always wondering that. - "There are not even any shops in the forest!"

"I make the gifts myself." - Amelia replied.

"...but how?"

Amelia crouched and pressed her forehead and nose against Beatrice's. - "It's a secret!"

"But I want to know!" - Little Bee complained.

"If you continue your studies, you'll learn one day." - Amelia gave a kiss on Beatrice's forehead, then lifted herself up. - "Now, will you show me, where was the last sun setting yesterday, sweetie?"

Beatrice didn't protest. - "Mhm. Okay."

[ . . . ]

The sky was filled with the brightness of the last setting sun. People were sitting at the side of a hilltop, waiting for the purple twilight.

"I can't see the stars!" - Beatrice complained.

A girl with rabbit ears, in a black skirt and white shirt sat next to Beatrice. - "It's too early, wait for the night."

"Oh, hello Julie." - Bee quickly responded, she did not notice her. Julie was an expert in approaching silently.

"Hello Bee." - Julie smiled, although it was a tired smile.

"Everything okay, Julie?" - Bee asked.

"Day like all other. You wake up, you go to school, you do homework, you wait until sleep." - Julie dispassionately responded.

"But it's the first day of stargazing season!" - Bee exclaimed.

"The stars will be here tomorrow too." - Julie turned to Bee, showing a tender smile.

"But not Amelia!" - Bee protested.

"Ohh, Amelia." - Julie turned and looked behind her, then uttered calmly. - "Hello."

"Greetings, Julie." - Amelia's expression was full of calm love for the lost soul.

"Sorry, I broke your present, Amelia." - Julie said with a hint of regret.

"How!?" - Bee was shocked.

"I... had a bad day." - Julie said, but it was clear she didn't want to explain.

"It's not an issue, Julie. Some things are meant to be broken, like eggs, there wouldn't be a cake without them." - Amelia reassured, soothing Julie's anxiety. - "Don't worry, this year, I've something even better for you."

"Thanks..." - Julie replied - "...but you being here is enough."

"I agree!" - Bee added with enthusiasm.

"Me too." - Jennifer joined.

Julie looked at the sky. - "I guess, it's time for me to leave."

"No, please stay." - Bee asked with a begging expression.

"Bee, you know the rules." - Julies said in a sad voice. - "I wish you, Amelia, and Jennifer, a beautiful night and to have their wishes granted."

"Jenn!" - Bee turned her head to the elf and protested.

Jennifer waved her head. - "It's how it is, we can't help that."

"Julie, you can..." - As Bee turned her head back, Julie was already gone, as silently as she came.

[ . . . ]

The twilight and the dusk passed, opening the door for the night. The sky was as black as ink.

"I can't see my star." - Bee uttered in a panicked voice.

"Go find her." - Amelia encouraged.

"But it's dark, I can't see anything." - Bee added with fear. - "It's not like the last time!"

"It will soon start, don't lose hope." - Amelia responded.

"It's not here! It's not anywhere! Oh, please, no no no!" - Bee shouted, she wanted to cry. - "Please, call Jennifer!"

"Bee, I need you to calm down." - Amelia kept speaking in a calm voice. - "Go a bit farther, it'll be alright."

"What If I get lost? I can't go without you!" - Bee despaired.

"I will always be with you, take a step." - Amelia reassured.

"Just... don't leave until I'm back. Please, promise."

"I promise."

Bee inhaled and exhaled slowly. - "Now or never." - She unconfidently took a step in front. - "Are you still there, Amelia?"

"Yes."

She took a few more steps. - "Are you still there?"

"Yes." - It was quieter.

"I can barely hear you."

"Don't worry, even If you can't hear me, I'll be there."

"Mhm. Okay."

Beatrice walked forward a few meters, she looked behind her, but she couldn't see anything. The same applied to her in every direction. She only knew that there was ground under her feet.

"Amelia?"

There was no response.

Beatrice gathered courage and kept walking, but she still couldn't find her star, minutes passed.

"Amelia?!" - She despaired and started to cry, she kept wiping her teary face and continued walking, until she bumped into something.

"Ouch." - A familiar voice responded.

"Julie?" - Beatrice asked.

"Beatrice? What are you doing here? You know the rules!" - Julie warned.

"I'm lost! I can't find my star." - She wailed.

Julie didn't respond.

"Julie?"

"I can't find my star since the day I was born. I don't know how to help you."

"What? You should tell Jennifer!"

"..."

"Julie?"

"I already did. She can't help me."

"What about Amelia?"

"She can't help me either."

Bee started to sob a bit louder. - "What If I too, can never find my star anymore?"

"That can't be true, it only ever happened to me, you're our little Bee. You're untouchable! You can do it!"

"I can't!"

"Don't cover your eyes to wipe the tears, but look at the sky!"

Beatrice lifted her head and fell silent. The star was there.

"Is it there?" - Julie asked.

"It is."

"..."

"Hey, Julie."

"..."

"You knew how to help me, after all."