Page 61 - RIVISTA NOIQUI MAGGIO 2021

way in the middle, and the animals of all species went there to drink its water.
All of a sudden he understood the suggestion of the little star, the moment he noticed
a numerous group of hippogriffs, the magical winged horses. He tried to capture one
of them but, after an exhausting and ineffective run, he took a seat to rest, discoura-
ged. <I will never succeed...> He kept repeating to himself. He waited for the night to
fall and, without making a noise, he approached the herd. With a jump he mounted the
one that was standing next to him: it was a beautiful white specimen, with a majestic
bearing and two mighty wings. At first the animal rebelled and, kicking like crazy, tried
to unsaddle him. Eventually, the beast surrendered to the stubbornness of the young
man and let him tame him. At his command, he flew off with wide movements of his
wings. Out of fear Giuseppe closed his eyes and prayed to God! When he opened his
eyes, the Earth, below had, become smaller and smaller, whereas the stars were turning
bigger and bigger. <Listen to me - his little star told him once he was close enough -
there is only one way if you really wish to live forever beside me: you have to become
a star yourself!> The poor fellow was not prepared to hear this proposal and remained
quite puzzled by the solution; he did not like the idea of loosing his human aspect
at all. His indecision was brief and, sure that everything had been already written in
the book of his destiny, he accepted the offer willingly. <Tell me, my dear, how can I
possibly become like you?> He asked her. <You will only have to focus on it with all
your willpower, and the strength of your love together with the magic of the Fairy of
the Night will make the miracle come true.> She answered. The chimney sweep, after
giving a quick look at the planet where he was never going back ever again, followed
the advice his beloved had given him, and concentrated on the task. The Fairy waved
her wand. A few instants later his body transformed: the limbs and the head extended
to become the five points of the new star and, at his core appeared the eyes, nose and
mouth. When the spell was completed, he rose higher, finding a spot next to the little
star that was in love with him, while the white hippogriff departed to return to Earth
in a harmonious flight. Since then, on serene nights, if you attentively watch the hea-
vens, you can distinguish two little stars standing really close to one another, looking
at each other and smiling

61

periodico mensile del gruppo NOIQUI