Dashi Finds the Extra Wish — Every evening, Dashi practiced carrying things without dropping them: a slipper, a spoon, even a wobbly stack of napkins. Read the full story →
Every evening, Dashi practiced carrying things without dropping them: a slipper, a spoon, even a wobbly stack of napkins. He wanted to carry the tiny matchbox to his birthday cake and light the last candle before the guests shouted surprise. The party room smelled like sugar icing and crinkly paper. Then, just as the first candle flickered, pop-pop-pop! A gust from the open window sent the matchbox sliding under the cake stand.
Because of that, Dashi nudged past gift ribbons and balloon strings with his nose low. Because of that, the biggest star balloon bumped his hat and jingled, though balloons did not usually jingle. “Wait—what’s inside you?” he barked. His paws shook a little as he untied the tight knot with his teeth, but out slipped a silver candle lighter no one had remembered packing. Dashi lit the final candle, small flame hissing bright, and the whole room cheered. If you spot the star balloon strings, maybe you can tell which one hid the extra wish.
