Mira and Dev waited until dusk painted the path peach and gold. Then they set out with paper lanterns, hoping to spot the first fireflies of the season.
At the old fig tree, tiny lights rose from the grass. One by one they twinkled around the lanterns until the path looked stitched with stars. Mira wanted to keep them all. Dev wanted to follow them all.
Their grandmother opened the garden gate and laughed softly. “You do not have to hold the light to enjoy it,” she said. So Mira lowered her hands, Dev slowed his feet, and together they watched the fireflies weave their bright parade.
When the last glow floated toward the trees, the siblings carried their unlit lanterns home. Somehow, they looked brighter than before.
Some of the best things shine more when we share them.
