Ashley and the Garden of Shooting Stars! — read aloud

Ashley and the Garden of Shooting Stars!

Ashley, with her 26 years, sometimes felt the stars had forgotten her. She lived in a small apartment where dreams seemed far away. One day, some very serious men offered her a chance: play some games and win a lot of money. Tempted by the promise of a better life, Ashley accepted.

Soon she found herself in a huge and mysterious place, dressed in a green tracksuit with a number sewn on: 380. There she met Luisa (230), a 23-year-old girl with a contagious smile; Naela (333), an 19-year-old girl with bright eyes full of hope; and Genesis (222), a young 18-year-old girl with her hair braided into two plaits and a determined look. They became friends quickly.

The first game was 'Red Light, Green Light.' It seemed easy: run when the giant puppet sang 'Green Light' and stay still when it sang 'Red Light.' But soon Ashley and her friends discovered the terrible truth: if you moved during 'Red Light,' something bad, very bad, happened. It wasn't just a game. It was a game of life or death.

Despite the fear, Ashley, Luisa, Naela, and Genesis promised to protect each other. Luisa, with her optimistic spirit, always found a way to cheer the group up. Naela, with her agility, was great at dodging obstacles. Genesis, despite her youth, was very smart and observant. And Ashley, with her determination, made sure no one fell behind.

The next game was 'The Hive.' Each player had to cut a figure from a sugar hive using a needle. If the figure broke, you were out. Genesis, with her patience and steady hand, helped Ashley not break her star-shaped hive.

Then came 'Tug of War.' Ashley, Luisa, Naela, and Genesis joined forces with other players to form a team. They pulled with all their strength against another team, falling into mud at the same time. It was exhausting, but together they won the game. Solidarity became their greatest strength.

In the marble game, Ashley had to face Luisa. Her heart ached. She didn't want to compete against her friend. But Luisa reminded her of their promise to protect each other. Together, they came up with a plan: Luisa would pretend to lose on purpose, but Ashley would help her hide an extra marble. That way, both could continue.

However, their plan was discovered. The guards separated Ashley and Luisa. Sadness flooded Ashley as she watched her friend walk away. But before leaving, Luisa shouted: 'Don't give up, Ashley! Shine like a star!'

With a broken heart, Ashley continued playing. She leaned on Naela and Genesis. Together, they faced the glass bridge game, where they had to cross a bridge made of glass panels. Some panels were strong, others broke when stepped on. Naela, with her agility, guided the group, leaping from panel to panel with grace and bravery.

Finally, only Ashley, Naela, and Genesis remained. The last game was the Octopus Game. Ashley faced Genesis. Their friendship was very strong, but they knew only one could win. Before starting, Ashley told Genesis: 'Always remember Luisa. She wanted us to shine.' Genesis nodded with tears in her eyes.

In a moment of confusion, Ashley turned her back to Genesis. Ashley couldn't go on with this game and let herself fall. Intentionally losing. Letting Genesis win. Genesis, with tears in her eyes, approached Ashley and thanked her for the gesture.

Genesis won the game and received the promised money. Genesis decided to honor Luisa's memory and help the families of all who had participated in the games. Ashley, although she didn't win the money, found something much more valuable: true friendship and the understanding that life is more important than any wealth. Back in her small apartment, Ashley looked up at the night sky and saw a shooting star. She knew that Luisa, from somewhere, was smiling. And Ashley, finally, smiled too. Because although she had gone through a terrible experience, she had discovered the strength within her and the unbreakable power of friendship.