A STAR FOR TIMA

In a cozy little town, where every evening the windows glowed with warm light, lived a boy named Tima. He was cheerful, curious, and above all, loved to go for walks with his dad. They would build towers from blocks, fly paper airplanes, and before bed, they would make up stories about space.
But one day, Dad left. Not to the store, not to work, but so far away that no one could see him. Tima waited. He kept listening for footsteps outside the door, hoping to hear his dad’s familiar voice. But days went by, and Dad did not come back.
One evening, when Mom tucked Tima into bed, he quietly asked:
— Mom, where is Dad? Why hasn’t he come back for so long?
Mom sighed, hugged her son, and looked out the window where the stars were twinkling.
— You know, Timosha, there are people who become stars. They can’t be here with us like before, but they stay with us in another way. Dad now lives in the sky and shines down on you with his star.
Tima's eyes grew wide:
— So, he didn’t disappear?
— No, my dear. He’s always with you. Remember how he taught you to ride your bike? How he laughed when you jumped in puddles? All those moments are his light that will stay in your heart.
Tima thought for a moment. He looked out the window and stared at the stars for a long time.
— Can he hear me? — he asked at last.
— Of course, — Mom smiled. — You can tell him about your day, about what’s new with you. Dad will always listen.
That night, Tima didn’t cry. He lay in his little bed and whispered to his dad about how he built a big snowman today. And in the sky, among the thousands of stars, one shone just a little brighter than the others.