Magic Reindeer: A Christmas Wish (8 page)
Starshine’s chocolate-brown eyes lost a little of their twinkle as he smiled sadly. ‘I must if I am to catch up with my father, Dazzler, Moonfleet and the others.’
A deep sadness clutched at Marie, but she knew that Starshine had to leave and that she must be brave. She threw her arms round his shining neck. ‘I’ll never forget you!’
Starshine allowed her to hug him one more time and then gently pulled away. ‘Farewell, Marie. I will not forget you either,’ he said in a soft velvety voice. ‘Have a wonderful Christmas!’
The snow-globe glowed brightly and a fountain of silver and gold sparkles sprinkled around Marie and tinkled as they hit the ground. Starshine leapt up into the sky; he faded and was gone.
Marie stood there with tears pricking her eyes. She knew she would always remember the marvellous adventure she and Starshine had shared.
Something cold brushed her skin. It had begun to snow.
Marie looked up into the sky with delight. Snowflakes were falling thick and fast. She heard her mum calling her from inside the house. She was just about to go in when something made her look over her shoulder.
A familiar figure was walking towards her.
It couldn’t be. Could it?
Marie blinked away the snowflakes on her eyelashes as a surge of pure happiness glowed through her.
‘Dad! Oh, Dad! It’s really you!’
Laughing and crying at the same time, she flew towards him and threw herself into his arms. He gave her a huge hug. ‘Hello, angel,’ he said in English.
He took a present wrapped in sparkly paper out of his pocket. ‘Open it now. This one’s special.’
Marie tore open the wrapping and looked at a tiny snow-globe in wonderment. Inside was a tiny white reindeer with lots of other reindeer around him.
‘I’m glad you made it home safely, Starshine!’ she whispered. ‘Thank you for being my friend.’
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
