UNKNOWN GIRL
"See, the trick is to squeeze the star-berry just enough to release the juice, but not so much that the sparkles flee," Mrs. Thornberry explained, her tiny brownie hands demonstrating with surgical precision.
The luminous purple fruit yielded under her fingers, releasing a stream of liquid that seemed to capture twilight itself. Tiny constellations swirled within the juice, and the air filled with the scent of midnight rain and sweet dreams as it splashed into the crystal pitcher—which hummed a delicate melody in response.
"Your turn," she said, pushing the bowl my way. "Don't overthink it. Star-berries sense hesitation."
I selected a plump one, feeling it pulse against my palm like a tiny heartbeat. Taking a deep breath, I applied gentle pressure—and the berry surrendere
