The Midnight Garden Spy

Lily was the best spy in the neighborhood. Every summer night, she crept through her garden on secret missions. But tonight was different.

She saw something strange by the old oak tree. It was her friend Max, walking in his pajamas, eyes half-closed, arms stretched out stiff like a *zombie* from movies!

"Max!" she whispered. "What are you doing?"

"Must find... the moon sparkle..." Max mumbled, still walking toward the pond.

Lily realized Max was sleepwalking! And he was heading right toward the deep part of the pond where he'd be *swimming* in his pajamas!

Lily started *running* as fast as she could. "Emma! Sam! Help!"

Her friends rushed over with their flashlights. Together, the little spy team formed a protective circle around Max. They guided him gently away from the water, talking in soft, calming voices.

"You're safe, Max," Emma whispered. "Follow my voice."

Slowly, Max's eyes opened wide. "Huh? What happened?"

"You were on a moon adventure," Lily laughed. "But real spies always watch out for their friends."

They wrapped Max in a warm blanket and sat together under the stars, eating cookies Lily had brought for their spy mission.

"Best team ever," Max said, crunching a cookie.

Lily smiled. The best spies weren't the ones who solved mysteries alone. They were the ones who took care of each other, no matter what adventures—or midnight sleepwalks—came their way.