Towards evening, the circus lit up the large, striped tent. The lights above the arena twinkled like stars. It smelled of candyfloss and sawdust. Nina clutched her ticket in her small hand. She really enjoyed the shows and the loud snares. Mr Leon, the presenter, came out into the arena. He called out loudly: "Welcome to the Wonderful Circus!" First the clown Ficus jumped and played the trumpet. Then a yellow dog jumped through a hoop. The audience clapped and laughed joyfully. Suddenly, Mr Leon pointed at Nina. "I need a brave helper today!" he called out. The girl stepped onto the sawdust and bowed. Mr Leon placed his black hat on the stool. He gave Nina a glittering wand and whispered: "It's an ordinary hat, isn't it?" Nina touched the brim of the hat very carefully. The hat was surprisingly light, like a small feather. The snare drum thundered and the lights dimmed for a moment. Something rustled inside, like a little wind. The stool vibrated and the hat began to move. "Do you hear that?" asked Mr Leon in a low voice. Sparks flashed out of the blackness, as if the night was twinkling. Someone whispered: "Nina..." straight from the depths of the hat. The girl took a breath, raised her hand over the brim and....