Chapter 1

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[SPREAD 1]

High, high up, where the wind is soft and the dark is kind, a little star was waiting.

Waiting to be seen.

[SPREAD 2]

Not by everyone.

Just by one.

One child who would lift her chin and truly, truly look up.

[SPREAD 3]

The star had been waiting a long time.

Through moons and moons.

Through winters and springs.

Its light was ready. Its heart was ready.

[SPREAD 4]

One night, a boy came running home.

The star leaned close. It shone a little brighter.

But the boy did not look up.

[SPREAD 5]

One night, a girl rode by on a squeaky bicycle.

The star shimmered. It whispered light.

But the girl did not look up.

[SPREAD 6]

One night, children sat by a small blue glow.

The star waited. The star hoped.

But no one looked up.

[SPREAD 7]

Some were too busy.

Some were too tired.

Some forgot the sky was even there.

[SPREAD 8]

Still, the star waited.

It did not go away.

It did not stop shining.

It only waited, and waited, and waited.

[SPREAD 9]

In a little house, on a little street, a child named Bahiyyih could not sleep.

Her eyes were open.

Her heart was open too.

[SPREAD 10]

She slid from her bed.

She crossed the quiet floor.

The house was hushed. The world was hushed.

[SPREAD 11]

She pulled back the curtain.

She pressed her nose to the cool, cool glass.

[SPREAD 12]

Outside, the night was deep.

Outside, the night was full.

[SPREAD 13]

And Bahiyyih lifted her chin.

And Bahiyyih looked up.

Truly.

Truly looked up.

[SPREAD 14]

The little star saw her.

The little star shone its whole heart.

[SPREAD 15]

Light poured through the window.

Light filled the quilt.

Light filled her.

And a hush fell between them, soft as a feather.

[SPREAD 16]

"I see you," whispered Bahiyyih.

"I see you too," whispered the star.

And the night held them both.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE TO PARENTS