-Suggested by Minerva Astrallan



Nothing lives forever. Stars are no exception. They fall, they crash and they burn. But they make people happy. That is what stars live for. To bring joy to the joyless.

Astra looked up in awe as the teacher told her and the other baby stars about their purpose. The star nursery was big; a massive cluster of nebulas and galaxies, where every star started their journey. Many young sparks (literally) called it their home. And that was the name of the nursery: Home Alpha One.

“Okay class, that is the end of the lesson. Go play with your friends.” The teacher's droning voice signalled the end of the lesson, and he slumped off.
Astra ran to the edge of the nursery and looked down at Planet Earth. The huge, round blue blob was covered in patches of green, the place where humans lived. Astra stared down at the planet and felt a twinge of sadness. She thought of all the poor Humans having a bad day. Wishing that they could feel happy.
“I could make them happy…” Astra mumbled, a plan forming in her mind. SHE could jump down, SHE could make people happy. Astra smiled. She would go down to Earth and make people happy.

She took a deep breath, and jumped.

Astra felt the rush of hot air hitting her face, whipping around her flaming hair. It was hot, so incredibly hot. Astra had doubts about her choice. She would never see her friends or her teacher again. Hell, she’d never see Home Alpha One again. She wanted to go back. She felt hot, wet tears slide down her face.
Then she remembered that she would be making someone happy. She would make someone smile. Astra wiped away her tears, and sped up.

It was hot. Very hot. Astra closed her eyes as she was engulfed in the heat, and she gave one last smile as she plummeted towards the surface.

*******************

The little boy squeezed his mother's hand.
“Look Mama, a shooting star!” He said, pointing a chubby finger at the white streak. His mother smiled down at her son.

“Make a wish, sweetie.”