The Bull Who Loved the Moon

Leo loved his toy bull, Barnaby. Barnaby had golden horns and painted spots, and every night Leo placed him on the windowsill facing the moon. One full-moon night, Leo heard a soft splash from the backyard pond. He peeked outside and gasped—Barnaby was moving! The toy bull had come to life and was wading into the water, followed by a lumpy green creature with floppy arms. 'That's just Zom,' Barnaby said kindly. 'He's a zombie, but not the scary kind. Zom was made from pond magic and kind thoughts.' Zom waved. 'I'm a friendly zombie. I help things grow.' Leo's eyes widened. A zombie who helped things grow? Zom pointed at the water. 'Look!' The pond was glowing with silver light. 'The moon's tears fall here,' Zom explained. 'Barnaby and I collect them to give to thirsty flowers.' Barnaby stepped carefully through the water, his golden horns catching the moonbeams. 'Would you like to help, Leo?' Leo nodded and tiptoed outside. The water was cool and sparkly around his ankles. He saw the moon's tears—tiny drops of silver light—and helped Barnaby and Zom gather them in cupped hands. They worked until dawn, then sprinkled the silver drops on Mrs. Green's garden. Flowers perked up instantly, their colors brighter than ever. 'Being a zombie isn't bad,' Zom said, smiling. 'It just means you're different. And different friends make the best adventures.' Barnaby nodded. 'And water isn't just for swimming. It's magic waiting to happen.' That morning, Leo tucked Barnaby back on the windowsill, Zom slipped into the pond with a splash, and Leo knew that tomorrow night, another magical adventure would begin—because the best friends are the ones you find in unexpected places.