The Lightning Bear's Magic Feast

Lily hated storms. Thunder made her pillow shake. Lightning flashed scary shadows across her walls.

But tonight was different.

CRACK! A bolt of **lightning** struck so close that her windows rattled. Then something small and fuzzy tumbled down her chimney.

Lily peeked from under her blankets. A tiny **bear** cub sat on her rug, shaking soot from its brown fur. But this wasn't an ordinary bear — its paws glowed softly, like little lanterns.

"Please help," the bear squeaked. "I'm a Star Bear from the clouds! Lightning knocked me off my constellation."

Lily's **iphone** lay on her nightstand. She grabbed it and snapped a photo. The bear's glow didn't show up in the picture — it looked like a regular stuffed animal.

"You need magic food to get home," the bear explained. "Something green and growing. Do you have any...?"

Lily thought. Then she remembered — Mom had made **spinach** salad for dinner. Lily had refused to touch it.

She crept to the kitchen, the Star Bear padding softly behind her. At the table sat her uneaten bowl of spinach.

"Try it with me," Lily whispered. She took a tiny leaf. The bear nibbled one too.

CRUNCH!

The most delicious taste filled Lily's mouth — like sunshine and rainbows mixed together. The bear's paws blazed brighter than ever.

"It's working!" The bear danced. "Spinach is magic ground-food! Thank you, brave friend!"

Another lightning bolt flashed. The bear's glow intensified. She zoomed up the chimney, trailing sparkles.

"Wait!" Lily called. "Will I ever see you again?"

A small note fluttered down: *Whenever you try something new and green, look up at the stars. I'll be twinkling back!*

The storm passed. Lily finished her spinach, feeling brave and magical. Now, during every storm, she watches the lightning and smiles, wondering which star bears are dancing up there.

And sometimes, just sometimes, she swears she sees one wink back.