Fantasy Daily News

Scientists at Stanford University, in the United States, found a new way to help sick coral get better. When ocean water becomes too warm, some coral loses its color. This is called coral bleaching, and it can make the coral sick or even kill it.

In a new study, the scientists put a bleached piece of coral next to a healthy piece from the very same coral family. After about five days of touching, the bleached coral began to get its color back. Within a few weeks, it looked healthy again.

The healthy coral shares tiny helpers called algae with its sick neighbor, almost like sending food through a small bridge. This works best between coral pieces that are closely related. Scientists hope the idea can help save damaged coral reefs around the world.

Saturday morning came bright and cool, with a thin layer of dew on the grass. Lyn had the day off, so she went straight out to the garden to check on the small chrysanthemum by the persimmon tree.

"Three leaves now," she called to Linda, kneeling close to the little plant. "It's growing faster than I thought."

A cool wind moved through the garden, carrying the smell of fallen leaves. Down the lane, Mrs. Oda was sweeping her gate, and she waved when she saw them.

Star trotted over to sniff the new leaves, then suddenly lifted her head and barked once toward the front gate.

"The mail," Linda said, already walking that way. A moment later she came back holding a thin envelope, turning it over slowly in her hands. "Lyn. It's from Kyoto."

Lyn's heart jumped. She wiped her hands on her apron and took the letter carefully, sitting down on the step beside Linda to open it.

"Well?" Linda asked, leaning close. Pinkysan hopped up onto the step too, her tail curled neatly around her paws, watching the paper with great interest.

Lyn read it out loud, slowly. "He says... he would love to walk through Nara Park with us, if the leaves are still red when he comes. He says he's been thinking about it ever since my last letter."

"That settles it, then," Linda said, smiling wide. "A walk under the maple trees, just like you hoped."

"He also says," Lyn went on, "that he's bringing something from Kyoto. He won't say what it is yet."

Star gave a happy bark, as if she already knew, and ran a quick circle around the garden. Pinkysan only blinked, unimpressed, and went back to watching the chrysanthemum sway in the morning breeze.

That evening, the two of them sat on the veranda a little longer than usual, the letter folded safely on the low table between them.

"The leaves on the street maples are already turning a little red," Lyn said, looking out at the dark garden. "Maybe by the time he comes, the whole street will be gold."

"Then we had better write back soon," Linda said, "and tell him exactly when to come find us."

(To be continued)