The Bull Who Guarded Wishes

Emma loved exploring the woods behind her house. One rainy afternoon, she found something magical—a crystal pool she had never seen before. Water lilies floated on top, and the water sparkled even without sunlight.

But the most amazing sight was the creature drinking from it. A massive bull with golden-brown fur and gentle brown eyes. Emma had never seen a bull so peaceful. Most bulls looked scary, but this one looked like it was waiting for a friend.

"Hello," Emma whispered, staying very still.

The bull lifted its massive head and looked right at her. Instead of running away, it stepped closer. Emma noticed something strange—whenever the bull's hoof touched the ground, tiny sparks danced around it like miniature lightning bolts.

Suddenly, the sky darkened. Real lightning flashed across the clouds. The bull nudged Emma toward a small cave nearby. Inside, Emma watched in wonder as the bull stood guard at the entrance, protecting her from the storm.

For an hour, they stayed together. Emma learned that the bull wasn't just any bull—it was the magical keeper of the wishing pool. Every hundred years, lightning struck the pool during the perfect storm, and one pure wish could be granted.

"What do you wish for?" the bull seemed to ask with its eyes.

Emma thought about toys, candy, and trips to amusement parks. But looking at the lonely bull who had guarded this pool for centuries, she knew what she really wanted.

"I wish you had friends," Emma said. "Someone to talk to, someone who visits you."

The lightning outside grew brighter. A single bolt struck the pool, making the water glow like liquid sunshine. The bull lowered its head, touching Emma's hand with its nose.

From that day on, Emma visited her friend every week. She brought other children too, and they all discovered that magic isn't about getting what you want—it's about giving what you can. The bull finally had friends, and Emma learned that the best wishes are the ones you make for others.