The Bull Who Loved Baseball

Leo loved baseball more than anything. Every afternoon, he'd practice pitching in his backyard, dreaming of becoming a famous player one day. But one sunny Saturday, Leo's favorite baseball sailed over the fence and landed in Farmer McGregor's pasture.

Leo climbed the fence carefully and spotted his baseball near the biggest, scariest bull he'd ever seen. The bull had enormous horns and seemed to glare at Leo. Leo's heart pounded.

"That's my baseball," Leo whispered, gathering his courage. He took a tiny step forward.

To his surprise, the bull didn't charge. Instead, it nudged the baseball with its nose and rolled it toward Leo. Then the bull did something magical — it winked!

"You like baseball?" Leo asked, his eyes wide.

The bull nodded its massive head.

Leo grinned. "I'm Leo, and you're my new friend!"

Every day that summer, Leo sneaked to the pasture. He'd throw the baseball, and his bull friend would hit it back with his nose. They played until the sun set, painting the sky orange and pink. Leo named him Buster.

One scorching afternoon, Farmer McGregor left the water hose running near the pasture. Buster looked hot and tired. Leo knew what he had to do.

He filled his baseball cap with water from the hose and carried it to Buster. The bull drank gratefully, then nudged Leo's hand with his wet nose. Thank you, friend.

On the last day of summer, Leo threw his hardest pitch. Buster knocked it soaring into the clouds, where it caught a ray of sunlight and sparkled like a tiny star. They watched it disappear together, two friends who had found magic in the most unexpected place.

That night, Leo realized something important: sometimes the scariest things turn out to be the most wonderful — especially when you're brave enough to say hello.