Wishes in the Light

Emma found the bracelet in an old antique shop — seven pastel crystals strung together, glowing faintly under the sun. A tiny silver tag dangled from the clasp, engraved with the word: “HOPE.”

That night, as she turned it over in her hand, she made a silent wish: “Please help me find my way.”

The next day, the first crystal glimmered slightly brighter.

Every time she took a brave step — asking a question in class, smiling at a stranger, sending in her first college application — another crystal lit up. One by one, until all seven glowed like morning light.

She never found out where the bracelet came from. But years later, when she gave it to her little sister before her first day of school, Emma smiled and whispered, “It knows what you need.”