There once was a girl named Avon, who loved everything under the sun, but when the sun set, she would always regret, not accomplishing more in the light. For she loved the sunshine. She adored the warmth. She lived for the days where she could surely soar. But she hated the night. She despised the cold. She didn’t see the point. So one cold night, as she lay in her bed, a single tear fell from her head and landed at her stead. She wished away the dark. She wished for always sunshine, and she fell asleep with thoughts of warmth still running through her head. And on that night, that fateful night, one tiny star heard her plea. The smallest star up in the sky decided to set Avon free. She mustered up her courage and shone a great, great light. The tiny star became a Nova so that Avon could have more light. The sky grew bright, as bright as day, and all of the darkness went away. Avon was woken, late in the night, by this one great light, shining oh so bright. She leapt from her bed and blinked away her sleep. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Was this reality? Without a second thought, she ran out into the bright night. It looked like day, it felt like night. What was this great delight? Avon jumped for joy. Her wish had been heard. Darkness was gone and she could play all night. So she jumped up and down. She woke the whole neighborhood. But soon, very soon, she found herself growing tired. She had not slept enough. She didn’t have the energy to keep going. So, she thought, “I’ll rest for a minute. I’ll lie down for a spell. I’ll regain my energy so I can continue to run and tell.” So, she lay her head down. She tried to find comfort, but the light from her friendly star was too much. She couldn’t find any sleep. She tossed and turned and began to groan and count the little sheep. But sleep did not come. She lay wide awake. Her eyelids drooped. Her breath felt labored. She wished that she could sleep. She knew this was what she wanted. She was joyous for the bright night, but maybe, just maybe, darkness wasn’t all bad. Maybe there’s a point to day and night. For all creatures need rest. We are forced to settle our minds. The darkness helps us rest, and think, and also unwind. Avon had never thought this way. She had never understood. But now, as she lay wide away in brightness, she finally knew it was good. Day was meant for sun and warmth, night for darkness and rest. The two work in harmony and help to keep peace. So Avon recanted her wish. She apologized to the sky. She thanked her friendly star. For the Nova’s selfless energy had taught her to appreciate different seasons. She knew now that much was to be gained, no matter the time, date, or reason. So, the tiny star receded. She grew much more dim. She faded back into the mass of stars and sparked her own, tiny glint. The night sky reappeared. The sky was filled with twinkles, and for the first time in her whole little life, Avon looked at the sky and smiled. She loved the view of a dark night sky, faintly lit with stars. She loved the way it looked, just now, all dark, with bits of light. She sat there in silence. Grateful for the rest, and as she drifted off to sleep, one single tear found its place. On her pillow it lay, an off-putting sight. But that single tear was joy. She finally appreciated the night.