On a clear, cold night, patches of moss on Mossy Hill began to glow like tiny stars, and the animals gathered to see them.
As the nights grow longer before winter, something small and wonderful appears on the rocks of Mossy Hill. One cold, clear evening, Owl noticed tiny points of light glowing softly among the moss.
Pip the hedgehog scurried up first, followed by Rusty the fox cub, Nutmeg the squirrel, and Hazel the rabbit. Thistle the mouse brought two friends, and together they all climbed onto the rocks to look closer.
"This is Star Moss," Owl explained gently. "It only wakes up when the nights grow long, just before winter comes. It borrows a little light and gives it back to us, like tiny stars on the ground."
The animals sat quietly among the glowing patches, their small shadows moving softly on the rocks. Above them, real stars filled the wide night sky.
"Winter is almost here," Owl said, looking up. "But even on the darkest, coldest nights, there will always be a little light to share." The animals smiled and watched the moss glow until it was time to go home.
This story is fiction.
Olivia Hargroder, a 27-year-old actor and dancer from Australia, plays the main character in a new movie called Boss Cat. Hargroder has Down syndrome, and she has loved dancing since she was young.
In the film, Hargroder plays a character named Sonja. She uses a fast, energetic dance style called krumping. The movie first showed at the Sydney Film Festival in June.
Years ago, a career counselor told Hargroder that acting was not a realistic job for her and suggested something different instead. Hargroder did not give up on her dream.
Today, people around the world are praising her performance. Many now call her a role model for persistence and talent.
Source: ABC News Australia, "Actor Olivia Hargroder just wants a 'red hot go'"
Saturday is dry and mostly sunny across Japan, and it is also ritto, the first day of winter. Sapporo is much colder, with clouds and a good chance of rain.
A warm coat and an umbrella are both good ideas in Sapporo today. A light jacket should be enough everywhere else.
Forecast by: Japan Meteorological Agency, forecast issued November 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
In Japan's old solar calendar, November 7 marks ritto, the first day of winter. The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan says the moment falls at 6:52 p.m. this year. After ritto, mornings grow colder, and people begin to feel winter coming.
A food company named Yamaki started Hot Pot Day, or Nabe no Hi, in Japan. The date uses a wordplay: 11 sounds like ii (good), and 7 sounds like nabe (hot pot). This date is often ritto, the first day of winter, so a warm hot pot meal feels just right.
Source: a-rce.co.jp, "11月7日って何の日？"
Marie Curie, a famous scientist, was born in Warsaw, Poland, on this day in 1867. She studied radioactivity and won two Nobel Prizes, in physics and in chemistry. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and her work still helps doctors and scientists today.
Horoscopes are just for fun. Signs are listed by today's luck.
Overall Your luckiest day this week! Plans fall into place with little effort.
Money A pleasant surprise with money brightens your whole weekend.
Love Kind words from someone dear stay in your heart today.
Lucky color Deep Teal
Lucky item a glass star
Overall A lucky weekend begins! Good things seem to come your way easily today.
Money A small treat feels extra satisfying, so enjoy it without worry.
Love Someone close shares a kind word that stays with you.
Lucky color Soft Green
Lucky item a wool scarf
Overall A bright, active Saturday. New plans move forward more smoothly than usual.
Money A good chance to save a little extra comes today.
Love A cheerful friend lifts your mood this afternoon.
Lucky color Clear Sky Blue
Lucky item a travel pouch
Overall A warm, pleasant day for outdoor walks or time in nature.
Money A fair choice with money today keeps your plans easy.
Love Family time feels especially comforting this weekend.
Lucky color Moss Green
Lucky item a wooden charm
Overall A steady Saturday with a few small, pleasant surprises along the way.
Money A small find or discount might brighten your afternoon.
Love An honest chat brings you closer to someone you trust.
Lucky color Deep Indigo
Lucky item a silver ring
Overall A calm Saturday. Simple plans work out better than big, busy ones today.
Money Spend a little on something fun, but keep most of it saved.
Love A relaxed day with family brings more smiles than you expect.
Lucky color Bright Orange
Lucky item a small notebook
Overall An easy-going Saturday. Let things happen at their own pace today.
Money Simple spending keeps your weekend worry-free and relaxed.
Love A gentle smile from a friend brightens your afternoon.
Lucky color Sunset Gold
Lucky item a round pendant
Overall A plain, steady Saturday. Your usual routine carries you through nicely.
Money Simple choices today keep your weekend easy and worry-free.
Love A balanced, gentle talk brings peace with someone close.
Lucky color Pale Blue
Lucky item a small compass
Overall A quiet Saturday. Resting today helps you feel ready for next week.
Money Hold off on spending; a better moment comes very soon.
Love A short message to an old friend means more than you think.
Lucky color Pale Yellow
Lucky item a folding fan
Overall A quiet day. Slow down a little, and things feel easier.
Money Save any extra coins today; they will help you soon.
Love Give people a little patience, and the day goes smoothly.
Lucky color Dusty Lilac
Lucky item a shell bracelet
Overall A slow Saturday. Take it easy, and tomorrow will feel much brighter.
Money Keep today's spending small; save the rest for later.
Love Patience with others brings a calmer, happier evening.
Lucky color Misty Gray
Lucky item a soft blanket
Overall A very slow day. Rest when you can, and be gentle with yourself.
Money Keep plans small today; a brighter day is coming soon.
Love A quiet moment with someone close means more than words.
Lucky color Charcoal Gray
Lucky item a warm mug
We use while and when to talk about two things that happen at the same time.
While Rusty ran, he dropped his hat.
Answer: While Rusty ran, he dropped his hat.
Saturday morning arrived clear and bright, with a cool breeze moving through the garden. Lyn counted the chrysanthemum's leaves again: nine now, each one a little bigger than before.
"Nine leaves, and six days until John arrives," she said, smiling at Linda over breakfast. Star thumped her tail under the table, as if counting along too.
After breakfast, Lyn clipped a leash onto Star's collar. "Pinkysan, you stay and guard the house," Linda said gently, and the cat blinked slowly from her sunny spot on the porch.
The walk to Nara Park took only twenty minutes. Along the path, a few maple leaves had turned deep red, though most trees were still green. "The colors are just starting," Lyn said. "By next week, it will be even prettier."
Near the old stone lanterns, a gentle deer came close and lowered its head politely. "She wants a cracker," Linda laughed, buying a small bundle of shika-senbei from a friendly vendor nearby.
Star watched with wide, curious eyes but sat quietly beside Lyn, just as she had practiced. Linda held out a cracker, and the deer took it carefully, then lowered its head again in thanks.
They walked slowly past the open lawn, where more deer rested in patches of sunlight. "Imagine showing John this next week," Linda said. "He will love it."
They found a quiet bench near the old pond and shared rice balls from a small basket, watching the deer and the half-colored trees together. Star rested her chin on Lyn's knee, content, while a light breeze moved gently through the grass.
On the way home, Lyn looked back at the park once more. "Six days left," she said softly. "I can't wait for him to see this."
(To be continued)