In a little town in the Midwest, there is the most beautiful carousel you have ever seen. This is no ordinary carousel, for it has boys and girls who visit it every day. Each boy and girl, has his very own favorite animal on the carousel and always rides that animal.

   There was one little girl who used a wheelchair, and whose father would always put her on the biggest white stallion of the whole carousel. Each day, Krystle would ride proudly upon the back of the white stallion she had named, Starlite. As Krystle would bounce up and down, she would dream of riding and running with Starlite through the open fields next to her home.

    But, each day after her ride, her father would put her back in her wheelchair, and take her home. On the way home she would tell her father of the dreams she had, of running through the open fields with Starlite. Krystle's father would always laugh, and say, "Maybe some day, maybe some day." But in his heart he did not laugh because the doctors said Krystle may never walk again after her accident.

    One night when the stars were shining very bright and Krystle was sound asleep, she dreamed she was awakened by a noise at her window. Krystle dreamed the strange noise sounded like hoof steps. 

    She dreamed she got out of bed and peeked out the window. She couldn't believe her eyes. For there, outside the window was Starlite. Very excited, Krystle opened the window and reached out to touch Starlite. Starlite moved closer and bowed his head slightly as if to say hello. Grabbing onto his mane, Krystle pulled herself closer to Starlite. She hung on tightly and Starlite pulled Krystle out of the window and onto his back.

    Without a word, they were off running through the pasture. Krystle could feel the wind blowing through her hair and could feel the love she and Starlite had for each other. This was her one true friend.

    As they ran through the fields, Krystle laughed and smiled like never before. Suddenly Starlite slipped and fell. Krystle was thrown into the tall grass, not hurt, but unable to get up. As she lay in the grass, she worried about Starlite. Was he hurt?

    Krystle called for Starlite, hoping he could hear her and come to her. As she turned slowly, she could see Starlite coming toward her. He had hurt his leg and was limping.

    So worried about Starlite, Krystle dreamed she stood up and walked slowly toward him. When they reached each other, Krystle gave him a big hug and wrapped her scarf around his hurt leg.

    Starlite bowed his head to say thanks and to help her up on his back. As Krystle climbed on Starlite's back, she told Starlite to take her home. Once they were back to Krystle's house, she climbed back through the window and said goodbye to Starlite. Starlite disappeared into the night and Krystle fell fast asleep.

    The next morning, Krystle told her father of the dream, and how she helped Starlite when he hurt his leg. Her father smiled, and said, "That sounds like a wonderful dream."

    Krystle gave her father a giant hug. "Can we go for a ride on the Carousel, Father?" "Yes, Krystle," he answered, "Everyone must follow their dreams." 

    No one but her father knew about Krystle's dream, or perhaps the Carousel magic.

    One thing is for sure, Krystle still rides the biggest white stallion on the carousel, the one with the scarf on his leg, the one called "Starlite."

 Published by  Progressive KIDS 

__________________________________________________________________

Return to Home Page

Published by  ProgressiveKIDS.com

 ©1999 All rights reserved.