Elara had a very special friend named Finny. Finny wasn't like other friends; Finny was a fish! A beautiful, shimmering fish with scales like tiny jewels.

Every morning, Finny would greet Elara with a happy wiggle. Elara loved watching Finny dart and dance through the water, making tiny bubbles float to the top.

One sunny afternoon, Elara went to say hello to Finny. But Finny didn't wiggle. Finny was very, very still.

A tear trickled down Elara's cheek. 'Mommy,' she whispered, her voice wobbly, 'Finny isn't moving.'

Elara's parent, Rowan, knelt beside her. 'Oh, sweetie,' Rowan said softly, 'it looks like Finny's time with us has come to an end. Sometimes, our little friends get very old or very tired, and they go to sleep forever.'

Elara hugged Rowan tightly. 'But I'll miss Finny so much!' she cried. Rowan hugged her back. 'I know, my love. It's okay to feel sad when someone you love is gone.'

Together, they talked about all the happy times with Finny. They remembered the time Finny chased a tiny flake of food, and the way Finny's scales sparkled like a rainbow when the sun hit the tank just right.

Rowan suggested they give Finny a special send-off. 'We can find a quiet spot in the garden,' Rowan said, 'and remember all the joy Finny brought us.'

Elara carefully placed a small, smooth stone she had painted with a tiny fish onto the spot. 'Goodbye, Finny,' she whispered, 'thank you for being my wonderful friend.'

Even though Finny was gone, Elara knew the happy memories would always swim in her heart, bright and shimmering, just like Finny.