A hint of a breeze tossed about the saline spritz coming from the breaking waves. The foaming water had taken on a pinkish hue, reflecting the evening sky. Thunderheads darkened the horizon but even their ominous presence was not impervious to the blossoming sunset.

Her eyes drifted from the purpled clouds to the crashing waves at her feet. The sandy water lapped at her toes, which she wiggled down into the moist ground.

The sun sunk lower beneath the endless ocean and the sky was transformed into a dazzling easel of oranges, pinks, and purples. It was as though a careless hand had painted the heavens in bold, wild strokes, the daring slashes of color softening as true night fell.

From behind the clouds peeked the first star to show itself. Her eyes lit up, capturing the star in their black depths.

"Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight - I wish I may, I wish I might have this wish I wish tonight. . ." She closed her eyes tight and put all of her heart, soul, and being into her next words. "I wish I had a horse!"

Her eyes opened and focused one last time on the shining pinprick of light bravely defying the oncoming blanket of darkness. Soon, like its kin, the star was swallowed by the black clouds.

A peal of thunder shook the air and the waves lapped higher up the girl's legs. An involuntary shudder coursed through her body, even while a thrilled smile curled her lips. She lived for nights like this, the salty air resounding with heaven's wrath.

Her smile slowly faded though, as the thunder never ceased its rumblings. She tilted her head, trying to pinpoint the subtle change. The clouds had eased closer but the resonant tones were not those of heavy clouds.

The waves crashed about her knees and she jumped to her feet. The pounding seemed to be coming from -- from the waves! And it was growing increasingly louder with each breaking wave.

She found herself moving forward, only stopping when the contact of cold water against her stomach made the muscles clench. Her mind was oddly blank, not at all wondering over her actions. It was as though she were a puppet, moving to an unseen orchestrator's whims.

The waves grew higher and at first, she thought it was only her imagination - but no! There it was again! A flash of silver in the white foam, a shape in the amorphous wall of water. Could it be?

She shook her head and blinked. Yes! A head formed in the oncoming wave, the broad forehead spread between two intelligent eyes. It was swallowed in the curl of a wave but a flash of silvery mane whipped from the foam.

With each successive wave, more of the silvery equine showed itself, thundering closer to shore. A hoof extended and the earth trembled as it imperiously stamped the ground. A little gasp escaped her throat and the horse surged up next to her.

Suddenly, her awareness flooded back to her and she back-pedaled out of the water. Her heel hit a rock and she fell hard onto her back, swallowing down the curse that rose to her lips. Her black eyes grew wide with amazement but they never left the silver creation pacing up to her. His neck - for it was certainly a stallion - was curved in elegance; his coat outshone the stars with its silver hue; his hooves shook the earth with each step, little sparks of light flaring out from each midnight black hoof; his eyes. . . She was lost in their star-swept depths. A double field of velvety black dotted with silver stars - it was a glimpse into the endless heavens.

He dipped his nose down to her hair and blew gently in greeting. Dazed, she slowly lifted a hand to the silvery forehead and with wondering fingers stroked her silken companion.

When she still did not get to her feet, he butted his head against her chest, tumbling her onto her back. Laughing, she picked herself up and threw her arms around the horse's neck, burrowing her face into the corn silk mane. The stallion smelled of the sea yet beneath was a fragrance she recognized -- her father!

She turned her head and peered into those intelligent equine eyes. With a wavering voice, she addressed him.

"What is your name. . . ? And--" she hesitated to speak the next, but while her mouth remained frozen, her mind asked, "Who sent you?!"

Steadfastly, he looked into her eyes and she felt a warm presence in her thoughts. I am Star Bright, replied a deep, musical voice inside the girl's head. And your father sent me so you would no longer stand alone.

Tears welled in her eyes and she let them fall onto Star Bright's coat. "And you will. . . never leave me?" she asked silently.

His echoing response awoke her heart. I will stay by your side forever, little sister - just as your father has.

Copyright 1998 Janelle K. Vargas