Her mother hugged her. "That is because you were kind, kudakudhinge . Small kindness makes big oceans less lonely." | Dhivehi | English Meaning | |---------|----------------| | Ves fila | Starfish | | Kudakudhinge | Small child / for small children | | Loabin | My dear | | Bodu athiri | Big rock | | Fissa | Pop! (surprise sound) | | Hama dhuvas | Every day | | Vaahaka | Story | End of the Story. Fen finé (The end). 🌊⭐

"Can starfish eat mas huni (tuna and coconut)?" Laila asked.

"No," her mother laughed. "Starfish eat tiny shells. But you can share your story."

Laila clapped her hands. "Mummy! Look! My ves fila (starfish) came back!"

" Hama dhuvas ves filaah ekamakee ," Laila said. "Every day, we will be friends."

"When the tide comes, the starfish must go home. But do you know a secret?" her mother whispered. "Starfish remember kind voices."

Hanaa was back. And she had brought a tiny white pebble as a gift.