Lila and Franek spot a glowing light in their tree house after dark, and when they sneak closer, something inside begins to move.
Lila and Franek loved their tree house. Dad had helped them build it high in the old oak tree, and after school they filled it with pillows, lanterns, maps, and brave pretend adventures.
One evening, just as the sky turned dark blue, Lila pressed her face to the window and froze.
"Franek," she whispered, "come here."
A small light blinked inside the tree house.
Franek hurried over and squinted into the branches. The light flickered once, then twice, as if someone inside was holding a tiny star in their hands.
The children pulled on their sweatshirts and tiptoed outside. The grass was cool under their feet. The oak tree stood still and dark, but when they reached it, they saw the tree house door was not shut all the way.
A pale glow spilled through the crack.
Lila gripped Franek's hand. Her heart thumped so loudly she thought the whole tree might hear it.
Then the door moved a little wider.
From inside came the softest rustle, as if something small had just turned to look at them...