The Star Boat

A little star-boat waited on the calm pond, big enough for four if they took turns at the oars. Theo, who had learned patience with the fireflies, surprised everyone by offering to row last instead of first.

Milo rowed, then Ava, then Nora, each for a gentle while, and the boat glided straight because no one grabbed all the work. Lumi hung a light at the bow. When Theo's turn finally came, his patient strokes kept the whole journey smooth.

They drifted under the hanging stars, trading the oars like a shared song. Taking turns, they found, keeps a journey steady and kind. Pip trailed a paw in the cool water, and the star-boat rocked them all halfway to sleep.