The Stars Are Made of Fire

Yong stared up at the night sky, watching the stars twinkle in the darkness.

"Whatcha doing?" Nuru asked. She stepped over the log Yong was sitting on, then sat on it.

"I'm just looking at the stars," Yong mumbled.

Nuru frowned. "What's wrong? Is it about what happened today? Because Varian was still happy with how you progressed on making those potions."

Yong turned to face her. "Even though I blew something up?" he asked, eyebrows furrowed. When he saw Nuru look sad, he sighed. "I'm...I'm sorry. I'm just doubting myself right now."

Yong changed his position on the log, wrapping his arms around his knees. "Nuru. Be honest. Am I useful to the group?"

"Of course!" Nuru replied, speaking truthfully and eager to get his spirits up. "You're kind, and funny, and you help us get out of trouble easily. You're quick to solve problems. I'm kinda shocked you think you're not useful to the group."

Yong looked at Nuru, watching how her curls blew lightly in the breeze. Nuru leaned on her hands, her gaze fixed on the stars.

"Sometimes, I feel the same. Varian is really nice, he's the leader...but that means sometimes, I feel useless. Like he's doing everything whilst I do..."

"...nothing," Yong finished.

The two sat in silence for a few moments. Then, Yong spoke again.

"You know Princess, that dress of yours is pretty cool. It has a star map on it, and that's super awesome!" He looked at Nuru. "You're a good friend."

Nuru returned Yong's look with a soft smile. "So are you."

The two looked up at the night sky again.

"What are stars made of?" Yong wondered aloud after a few moments of comfortable silence.

"Fire."

"What?" Yong turned to Nuru, eyes widening. She looked at him, smiling. "Stars are made of fire?" Yong grinned. "No way!"

Nuru giggled. "Yes way! If you touched a star, it would be really hot!"

Yong gasped. "Really? That's so cool!"

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Nuru agreed enthusiastically. She paused. "Unfortunately, I only found out because of...the comets."

Yong's eyebrows furrowed on seeing Nuru hang her head. He placed his hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Nuru. You'll get it fixed." Yong hesitated, but then steeled his resolve and spoke the next two words. "I promise."

Nuru lifted her head and smiled at him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"And I promise that you will go home to your family having learnt loads of new skills."

Yong and Nuru beamed at each other.

"Do you think I can learn to cook, too?"

"Your brownies still need some work," Nuru teased, bumping Yong shoulder lightly with hers. Yong giggled.

"And you need to work on your sewing."

The two burst out laughing, and talked well into the night. For now, everything was as it should be: perfect.