The small lights reflect on the silver Christmas ornaments that are hung up in the tree. If you close your eyes just enough for your sight to go blurry, the lights almost look like stars.

Elijah has always been fascinated by the countless stars. One of his favorite memories of his father took place under the stars.

It was an ordinary Friday when his beloved father woke him up in the middle of the night. Smiling, he told Elijah he had a surprise for him. Ten-year-old Elijah rubbed the sleep out of his eyes as he followed his father down the stairs. Once they reached the hallway, he was told to put on his jacket and shoes. While he did so, his dad entered the living room, returning moments later with two big blankets.

"Where are we going?" Elijah asked, but he didn't get an answer—only a gesture to follow his father.

The two walked through their house until his father halted in front of the door leading to the backyard. Once the lock was opened, they both stepped into their small yard, where two sunbeds stood in the middle. Elijah's father sat down on one of them and motioned for his son to do the same.

"Daddy, why are we here?" the little boy asked after sitting down on the chair and laying his blanket over his body to keep warm.

"Look up, son." Elijah let his back rest against the chair as his eyes met the sky. "Wow," he whispered.

What looked like a hundred lights were shining in the darkness. Elijah was even convinced they were glowing brighter than usual. It wasn't until they both saw a shooting star that one of them spoke again.

"Make a wish," Elijah's father said before closing his eyes to make his own. Elijah followed his dad's lead and closed his eyes. After a couple of seconds, they both opened their eyes again.

Elijah looked at his father with admiration. "What did you wish for, Daddy?" he asked.

"I wished to become the biggest star in the universe," his father answered while pointing to the brightest star in the moonlit sky. "Did you know that all the people who love you and have passed away gather on that specific star?" Elijah listened to his father in wonder, shaking his head.

"That is why it shines the brightest out of all of them. It's the easiest to find. One day, when I'm not on this earth anymore, I'll be on that star too, so I'll always be able to watch over you."

"But what if it's light outside? Where will you be then?" his son asked worriedly.

A loving smile formed on the father's face as he turned to look at his dear child. "Don't worry, son. The stars are always there, and they will always keep shining, even when it's light outside. It's just harder for you to see them, but if you look very closely, you might be able to spot them during the day."

His answer seemed to relax Elijah, who slightly nodded and turned his head back to look at the stars.

Seven years later, Elijah stands in front of his window, eagerly searching for the star—searching for his father. When he finds him, he is shocked to see the star next to it fall. With a comforting smile, he closes his eyes.

"I wish to visit the stars."

©-httpsham