"She Who Seeks the Stars" by Miya Meidl: August 2024 1st Place

Esteri had always adored the gentle twinkle of the stars. The divine bodies were kind and listened to those who’d spoken to them. How could one not want to have stars in their own possession? Oh, how the star-sick Esteri longed for the stars to be within her reach. So, she hid herself away in her little office and worked for years to achieve her goal. What could be accomplished if a star could be touched?

After years of grueling work, she reached success. With her invention, a device called Star Catcher, she could bring a star to her earthly world. Overjoyed, Esteri stumbled out of her laboratory. She offered the device to the sky and searched for her favorite star, her namesake, the star of Esteri.

Soon came an unexpected sound; Jingles. They grew louder until she heard a pop.

“Hello!” an eerily familiar voice exclaimed. There stood a boy with a misty glow. 

“Finally, something new! The sky gets so boring after a while.”

She watched the foggy figure. Esteri recognized him. She realized she was looking at her brother, who’d passed away when she was a child. He was the star of Esteri’s soul. The soul of her star.

Her brother smiled softly. “Wait, I know you.” He stepped back, before running to Esteri and hugging her. She was so overwhelmed by her emotions that she couldn’t speak. Then his heavenly glow began flickering until he started fading away.

“You’ve always been so creative,” he said, smiling. “But nothing lasts forever, Esteri. Remember, I’m always here. Everyone you’ve ever loved is always waiting in your heart. A body may fade, but love stays unwavering. I’ll miss you.” And then he disappeared.

Esteri realized the stars were more than just beautiful, shining beings of light. Stars sheltered the spirits of those who’d passed on.

Though it wasn’t what Esteri wanted at first, her years of hard work rewarded her. Her invention rapidly sold all throughout the world. People could talk to those they’d lost. Seeing fallen loved ones was possible. Esteri had done it. She’d touched the stars.