It was Christmas Eve afternoon, the snow was knocking quietly on the windows. Lena was mending the baubles when suddenly the top star disappeared. Without it, the Christmas tree looked like it had no hat or smile. Mum was bustling around in the kitchen, keeping an eye on the borscht and dumplings. - Where did you put it? - asked Maks, Lena's younger brother, in a whisper. - 'I'm sure it was here this morning,' she replied, her heart beating a little too fast. A smudge of needles lay on the carpet, like an arrow pointing down a corridor. From the ceiling came the sound of a bell, short and very clear. - Do you hear it? - asked Maks, already in his shoes, as if ready to go. At the door to the attic, flour spilled from a box. Tiny marks could be seen on the white, like from a doll's shoes. Lena turned on the torch and lifted the heavy key from the attic. The stairs creaked, the air smelled of apples, dust and nuts. In the corner stood a box with a brass lock and a paper label. The card read: 'Do not open until the first star'. - 'Not allowed,' muttered Maks, but he stared at the chest as if enchanted. - 'If the star has disappeared, maybe there's a clue waiting here,' whispered Lena. Suddenly, the bell sounded again from inside, this time closer and bolder. The lid moved slightly, and a golden thread slid out from under the edge. - I think it's her - whispered Maks, gripping the torch even tighter. Lena put her hands on the lock, which itself trembled as if from the cold. Something rattled from inside, three times, as evenly as a clock. - One... two... - Lena took in a breath as the box vibrated once more.