Lilka, Tymek, and Zosia visit their first circus, where a strange starry box and a sudden spotlight make the night feel full of secrets.
At the far end of town, a big striped tent glowed in the dark like a lantern. It smelled of popcorn, candyfloss, and something sweetly warm that made Lilka’s tummy flutter.
She clutched her ticket as her mother bent down and smiled. Tonight was special. Lilka was going to the circus with Tymek and Zosia for the very first time.
Outside the tent, balloons shaped like lions, elephants, and rabbits bobbed on tall poles. Children laughed and ran past in bright coats. Lilka hurried after her friends, her shoes tapping on the packed earth.
Inside, the air was cosy and soft with the smell of almonds and lemonade. Huge seats rose all around the ring. On the stage, a clown in spotted trousers waved both hands, and the children waved back.
Then Lilka saw it.
In the middle of the arena stood a giant box. It was larger than their kitchen table, painted red and gold with shining stars. A parrot with a green tail sat on top, turning its head one way, then the other, and making tiny squeaky noises.
"Look," Lilka whispered. "What is that for?"
Before anyone could answer, a woman in a long, glittering dress walked into the ring. Her blond hair was braided neatly, and a small cat in a circus cap perched on her shoulder as if it belonged there.
She bowed to the crowd.
"Dear spectators," she said. "Tonight, something wonderful is about to happen. But first, I need help from someone in the audience..."
The tent fell quiet. Lilka felt Tymek go still beside her. Zosia gripped her sleeve.
Then a bright spotlight swept across the rows and stopped right on their seats.