Mira and the Gentle Echo

Mira the magpie loved the Crystal Caverns in the daytime. The walls glittered like a thousand tiny stars, and every step made a soft chiming sound.

Today Mira had a job. She was hanging little crystal bells along the Path of Glow so visitors could follow the gentle music. Mira fluttered down, tapped a bell, and smiled at the bright note.

Then she heard a sound that did not fit. A quick sniffle, then another. It bounced around the cave like an echo trying to hide.

Mira stopped. She listened with her whole body. Near a tall blue crystal, a small crystal beetle sat with its feet tucked in. Its feelers were pressed tight to its head.

"Mira, are you lost?" the beetle whispered.

"No," Mira said softly. "I think you are hurting."

"It is too loud," the beetle said. Its voice shook. "The chimes sound big in my ears."

Mira looked at the bells she had just hung. They were pretty, but in this cave they were strong, like waves.

"Can we sit where it is quiet?" the beetle asked.

Mira nodded. She led the beetle behind a warm stone where the echo was gentle. Mira kept her wings close and made her voice small.

"I can help," Mira said. "We can make a quiet path."

Mira took down three bells and tied them farther apart. She also tucked a soft leaf under each bell so the sound turned into a hushy tink instead of a sharp ring. When a group of little visitors came, Mira lifted a wing and showed them a tip toe step. The cave stayed calm.

"Thank you," the beetle said, and its feelers relaxed. "Now the sparkle feels friendly again."

Mira smiled. The cavern still shone, but now it also listened.