catch the star

   "I only want to catch you,"Michael explained"I won't hurt you."
"No!No!"the star crackled desperately."That'swrong!I'm supposed to die!"
"But I could save you if you'd let me catchyou,"Michael told it gently.
"No!"cried the star."I'd rather die!"It divedaway from Michael's fingers.Michael plunged forit,but it was too quick for him.It swooped for thenearest marsh pool,and the black water leapedinto a blaze of whiteness for just an instant.Thenthere was a small,dying sizzle.When Sophiehobbled over,Michael was standing watching thelast light fade out of a little round lump under thedark water.
"That was sad,"Sophie said.
Michael sighed."Yes.My heart sort of went outto it.Let's go home.I'm sick of this spell."
It took them twenty minutes to find the boots.Sophie thought it was a miracle they found themat all.