The Star and the Heron

The woman lived a thousand miles away
from her family. She wrote letters to them often,
and posted the replies
on the back of her bedroom mirror.

Out on the balcony she sees a flash of white-it is a
heron out on the water, searching for
signs of life. In the vast purple sky a
white star bursts into flames.

Taking her chances, the woman makes
a wish against the dark night.
Then there is nothing, only the
sound of the heron calling to its wife
and children on the far side of the island,
telling them he will not be home for supper.