Fantasy Daily News

Scientists at Stanford University in the United States found a surprising way to help sick coral get healthy again. Coral are tiny sea animals that live together in large groups called reefs. When ocean water gets too warm, coral can lose their color and turn white. This is called bleaching, and it can make the coral very sick.

In a new study, published on October 14, 2026, researchers placed a bleached piece of coral right next to a healthy piece of the same kind, so the two pieces touched each other. After about one week, the sick coral began to get its color back. By seven weeks, it looked completely healthy again.

The scientists think the healthy coral shares tiny helpers called algae, which live inside coral and give it both color and food. Experts say more tests are needed before this method can help real reefs in the open ocean, but the discovery gives new hope for saving coral around the world.

Wednesday morning smelled like roasted tea, since the new bag still sat open on the kitchen counter, filling the whole house with its warm, toasty scent.

"Rice today," Linda said, checking the list one more time with a small, satisfied nod. "Just a small bag. We don't need much, with everything else ready."

"I'll stop at the rice shop near the station on my way home," Lyn said, pulling on her jacket. "It's close to the hotel, so it won't take long."

Star pressed her nose against Lyn's hand at the door, tail wagging slowly, as if asking to come along on the errand too.

"Not today, Star," Lyn said, giving her one last scratch behind the ears. "Guard the house instead, and watch over Pinkysan."

Work at the hotel was quiet that day. A few guests checked out early, and Lyn spent the afternoon folding fresh towels, answering easy questions about bus times, and watching the maple trees outside turn a deeper red through the lobby window.

On her way home, she found the little rice shop tucked between a bakery and a flower stand. Bags of rice were stacked neatly on wooden shelves, each one labeled with the name of a different town.

"First harvest of the season," the shopkeeper said, pointing to a bag near the front with a proud smile. "Very good with a simple meal. Nothing fancy needed at all."

"That sounds perfect," Lyn said, and the shopkeeper wrapped a small bag for her with quick, practiced hands, tying the string with one easy pull.

When Lyn reached the house, the evening air was cool and still. She found Linda kneeling by the mailbox at the gate, holding something carefully in both hands.

"Lyn," Linda said, turning around slowly. Her eyes looked unusually bright. "It's a letter. From John, at last."

Lyn's heart jumped, and she nearly dropped the little bag of rice. "Finally! What does he say?"

"I haven't opened it yet," Linda admitted, smiling and holding the envelope out so they could both see the familiar handwriting. "I wanted to wait for you."

Star barked once from the garden, tail thumping against the fence, as if she already knew something good was happening. On the veranda railing, Pinkysan sat up straight, her tail flicking with quiet curiosity.

"Well, the rice can certainly wait a minute," Lyn said, setting the small bag down gently by the door. "Let's go inside and read it together, all of us."

Linda laughed softly, and together they stepped up onto the veranda, where she slid one finger under the envelope's flap, the paper crinkling in the cool evening air.

(To be continued)