The Hat That Dreamed

Lily found the hat on her grandmother's attic floor. It was purple with silver stars that actually twinkled. When she put it on, the attic spun like a carousel.

She landed beside a shimmering lake. On an island stood a great sphinx with emerald wings and kind golden eyes. "Welcome, Lily," the sphinx purred. "I've been waiting for someone brave enough to wear the Dreaming Hat."

"I'm not brave," Lily said, holding the hat's brim nervously.

"Bravery isn't about not being scared," the sphinx said. "It's about being scared and doing the right thing anyway."

Suddenly, the water began to bubble. Up rose a zombie—but not the scary kind from stories. This zombie had flowers growing from his pockets and a smile full of sunshine. His name was Zed, and he was the guardian of the Wishing Well at the bottom of the lake.

"I'm lonely," Zed said sadly. "Everyone runs away before they can see I only spread flowers and joy."

Lily's heart went out to him. "I won't run away," she promised.

The sphinx nodded. "True friendship sees beyond appearances. Lily, you have shown wisdom today. The hat chose well."

Lily took off the hat and placed it gently on Zed's head. "You wear it now. Find more friends who will see the real you."

Zed's smile grew even brighter. The water around them turned to sparkling diamonds, and Lily found herself back in the attic, the hat now ordinary again.

But sometimes, when she wears any purple hat, she can almost hear sphinx wings and see flowers blooming in impossible places—and she knows that true friendship is the greatest magic of all.