Zacherys is a little Astronaut. He is brave, but also a bit shy. He lives in a cozy house. His helmet sits on a chair. His tiny rocket boots are by the door.
One morning, Zacherys hears a soft “ting… ting… ting.”
He looks under the table. He looks behind the sofa.
“No,” he whispers. “Not there.”
Professor lives in the house too. Professor is smart and kind. Professor wears big glasses and has a calm voice.
“What is wrong, little Astronaut?” asks Professor.
“My star sticker is gone,” says Zacherys. “It was on my suit. It is my favorite.”
Professor nods. “We will find it. We will be a team.”
Zacherys stands taller. “Team,” he says.
They tip-toe into the bedroom. The house feels quiet, like a sleeping moon.
Professor points. “Look for sparkle.”
Zacherys looks at his blanket. He shakes it.
Whoosh! Nothing.
They walk to the hallway. A cool breeze slides under the door.
“Ting… ting…” goes the sound again.
Zacherys holds Professor’s hand.
“I’m a little scared,” Zacherys says.
Professor smiles. “It is okay to feel scared. We can still look.”
They open the closet.
Inside is a soft glow.
Standing very still is the Crystal Guardian.
It is tall and shiny, like a tower made of ice candy. Its eyes gleam.
Zacherys gulps. “Hello.”
The Crystal Guardian raises one slow arm. “Shh,” it says, not mean, just firm. “Quiet in the crystal hall.”
The closet is not a closet now. It looks like a tiny cave of crystals. Light bounces everywhere.
Professor whispers, “Curiosity, not rushing.”
Zacherys nods.
“Did you take my star sticker?” Zacherys asks.
The Crystal Guardian holds up something small.
A star sticker!
But it is stuck to a crystal wall.
“Mine,” says Zacherys.
“Lost,” says the Guardian. “Found. Protected.”
Zacherys thinks. He is shy, but he is also clever.
“May I have it back, please?” he asks.
The Guardian’s eyes flicker. “Only if you are gentle. Crystals crack.”
Zacherys uses one finger. Soft. Slow.
It does not come off.
Professor says, “Try warm breath.”
Zacherys breathes on it. Haa…
The sticker loosens.
Peel…
It comes free!
Zacherys smiles big. “Thank you!”
The Crystal Guardian makes a quiet chime, like a happy bell.
“Brave small Astronaut,” it says. “You asked kindly. You listened. You were gentle.”
The Guardian opens a crystal box.
Inside is a treasure: a tiny moon badge that glows pale blue.
“For your suit,” says the Guardian.
Zacherys gasps. “A moon!”
Professor laughs softly. “A fine prize.”
Back in the house, the closet looks normal again.
Zacherys sticks the star sticker on his suit. Then he clips on the moon badge.
It shines on his chest.
Zacherys looks at Professor. “I was scared. But I did it.”
Professor nods. “Yes. You were brave and gentle.”
Zacherys marches to the door in his rocket boots.
“Ready for a mission!” he says.
And the house feels bright, like it is smiling with them.