Jory’s Secret Star Shower — Behind the tall party shelves, Jory bounced on tiptoe beside a square box that smelled like paper, peppermint, and new crayons. Read the full story →
Behind the tall party shelves, Jory bounced on tiptoe beside a square box that smelled like paper, peppermint, and new crayons. He had set himself a challenge: pop out without making one peep, then toss three paper stars high enough to tickle the ceiling.
In he hopped. Crinkle, crinkle went the tissue. Jory tucked his knees, hugged the stars, and counted with his wiggly fingers. “Ready, steady—shhh!” Up he sprang, arms wide, cheeks buzzing with giggles he kept inside.
Then the box answered. Soft hearts, dots, and tiny shiny bits whooshed up around him, though Jory had packed only three stars. The gift box had been saving scraps from every wrapped present, waiting for someone generous enough to share the first sparkle. If you spot Jory’s wide-open grin, can you tell which bits came from him and which came from the box that smelled like paper, peppermint, and new crayons?
