Sailing the Star-Filled Sea Part II

Thanu did as he was asked, but when he lifted the net over and into the thimble, it was empty.

"Oh, no! My net is empty! Annabelle cried. "Where did all the stars go?"  She shook her head in disbelief.

"Annabelle, the stars want to stay where they are. They love their home just as you love yours. We've had a wonderful time exploring the night seas, but it's chilly out here above the water. Let's fly back to land."

"Not just yet, Thanu. I want to try one more time! I'd like only a few stars, five, seven at most," the Sweet Pea Whimble whispered.

Again, the net skimmed the water and dropped down into the sea. Again, it seemed to be magically overflowing with stars but when pulled from the water, the net was empty.

A tear fell down Annabelle's snoot. She stared into the sea quietly for some time. Thanu waited patiently.

Finally the Whimble spoke, disappointment in her voice. "I guess you're right, Thanu. There's no use trying any more. The stars want to stay right where they are in the sea. It's best to set our course for home."

The wind quickened. Dawn arrived as the Thimballoon sailed away from the midnight blue water, leaving the sparkling stars far beneath the sea. (to be continued from The Star-Filled Sea to The Working Gardens)