Baogonia's Wish

Baogonia walked slowly through the greenhouse, basket in paw. She looked over every single plant as she moved past, deep in thought. 

It was that time of year again, when baobears from near and far would travel to pay their respects at the legendary lake and make a wish to the star that fell there oh so long ago.  

Baogonia, of course, was one such baobear. She had decided that this year, her gift to the star was going to be a fresh batch of handmade potpurri. She had a biiiig wish to grant, and she hoped such a fancy gift would catch the star's attention. 

A petal here, a leaf there. Baogonia used her vast knowledge of all the plants that grew here to hand pick only the best choices for her potpurri. Eventually she had a good collection in her basket and went to work. 

~~~ 

One beautifully sunny day a few weeks later, Baogonia stepped up to the windowsill and inspected the tray she'd set out all that time ago. A gentle poke to a few of the pieces, and a smile spread across her face. ‘Perfect!’ 

Baogonia took the sun-dried petals, leaves, and herbs and carefully transferred them into a small jar, adding a few drops of her favourite essential oil before closing it up tight, finishing the gift by tying a pretty ribbon around the mouth of the jar. 

The potpurri looked lovely, good enough to sell in her shop if she wanted to. Baogonia nodded in satisfaction as she gently tucked the jar into a small bag and began to bundle up for the trek ahead of her. 

~~~

She'd timed her journey perfectly; it was dusk, the sky somewhere between blue and black with the barest hint of stars waking up from their daytime naps. There was also nobao else here; perfect to have a little bit of privacy. Baogonia stepped up to the wishing well, and after confirming that the bucket had been brought up to the top, began to make her wish. 

“Wish I may, wish I might, I wish with all my heart tonight…” Holding the jar of potpurri close to her chest and squeezing her eyes tight, Baogonia whispered her wish: “This year, I wish that everybao will be lucky enough to plant something that makes them happy.” 

It was ambitious, yes, but Baogonia really could not think of anything she'd like more than the opportunity to share gardening tips and stories with even more baos in the upcoming months. 

Baogonia gently placed the jar of potpurri into the bucket of the well and lowered it down, hoping her offering made it to the star safely. Then she turned, gentle smile on her face and headed home.