The orphan boy blinked against the harsh light, his feet sinking with every slow step. He paused, scanning the horizon for any sign of life, but only the wind answered, swirling tiny grains that stung his skin. In the emptiness, a faint glimmer caught his eye—something strange and beautiful hovering above the sand.
The fairy floated down, her eyes full of kindness and mischief. "Little one, why do you wander alone in this sea of sand?" The boy stared in awe, unsure if she was a mirage, but her touch was cool and soothing when she rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Will I ever find my way home?" he whispered, gazing at the fairy. "You are not as lost as you feel. Help comes when hearts remain brave," she replied, her voice like a lullaby, as she tucked his scarf tighter around him.
The stray woman halted, seeing the boy and his strange companion. "Who are you? Are you alone out here too?" she called, voice trembling with exhaustion. The fairy nodded, her wings shimmering as she encouraged the two to speak.
"You remind me of someone," the boy said, noticing the locket around the woman’s neck. "My sister gave this to me, before she was gone," the woman replied, her eyes shining with tears.
"You are my sister's child. I've searched for you through every storm and night," she whispered, voice thick with emotion. The fairy’s laughter tinkles in the morning air, and soon, the village greets their return—an orphan and his aunt, found at last, led by a gentle spirit through the heart of the desert.
