Henry, the Hermit Crab

Henry, the hermit crab was sad.

He had lost his shell long ago, and was cold and alone. One night, Henry looked up at the sky. The stars were extraordinary that evening, but they weren’t enough to comfort the sad homeless hermit crab.

As Henry sat there on the sand, shivering in the cool night air, he wondered if this was what life was like for everyone else: lonely and in search of home.

But then, as if in answer to its question, a shooting star zipped through the air. Despite seeing no practical solution to his dilemma, Henry decided that he would wish for a new shell. So, he folded his pinchers, and gave up his sorrows to forces out of his control.

“I am lost, shooting star,” said Henry. “It has been ages since I misplaced my home. I have searched high and low, below the sea, and on land to no avail. Now, I am left with nothing, but my belief that things must get better. I wish to you in hope, shooting star, even though I do not know you; even though I cannot touch you; even though you are passing by with many requests to consider, that you will help me. Because I know it is in your nature to help those who need you. And all that you ask in return, is that I believe.”

Promptly, the star fell from the sky and landed right next to Henry. It was a shell: decorative and beautiful. And you know what? It fit just right.

The little crab looked up at it with wide eyes and wondered if this could be a sign that things were going to get better for him after all. He just had to believe that they would.

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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