The Light of the Fireflies

by Paul Pen

had made her believe that the freckles that dotted her nose were fallen stars. She’d celebrated by lifting her arms in victory, and he’d picked her up to hug her while they spun around on the rock, the girl kicking the air with pure joy. Now the freckles had disappeared, leaving just two moles. The man knew the girl had gone, too. “I’m not surprised the stars wanted to leave your face,” he said.

She heard her father ask her for help. “Leave me in peace,” she whispered, while her family burned in front of her. “Leave me in peace.”