The Sleepwalking Friend

Lily loved adventures. Every Sunday, she explored the enchanted forest behind her house. But one cloudy afternoon, she discovered something extraordinary.

Deep in the woods, she saw her best friend Mateo walking strangely. His arms dangled loosely, his eyes stayed closed, and he mumbled strange words. "Mateo?" Lily called softly. He didn't answer. He kept walking toward an ancient stone circle.

"A zombie!" gasped a tiny voice. Lily looked down to see a glowing blue butterfly. "Your friend has been cursed by the Stone King's spell. He sleepwalks toward danger!"

Lily grabbed Mateo's hand. "I won't let anything hurt him," she declared.

Suddenly, a magnificent creature appeared from the mists—a great bull with golden horns and silver hooves. His coat shimmered like moonlight on water.

"Brave child," the bull spoke gently, "to save your friend, you must answer three riddles from the Stone Sphinx. Only then will the curse break."

The bull led them to a massive stone statue that came to life—a sphinx with emerald eyes and wings of rainbow feathers.

"First riddle," the sphinx purred. "What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees, up, up it goes, and yet never grows?"

Lily thought hard. "A mountain!"

"Correct," nodded the sphinx. "Second: What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?"

"A stamp!" Lily smiled, remembering her collection.

"Excellent," said the sphinx. "Last riddle: What is broken when you name it?"

Lily's eyes lit up. "Silence!"

The sphinx smiled. "You are wise and kind. Your friend shall wake."

Mateo blinked and rubbed his eyes. "Lily? Why am I in the forest? I had the strangest dream..."

The magical bull bowed his head. "True friendship breaks any curse. Remember this always."

As they walked home under the first stars, Lily squeezed Mateo's hand. Real friends never leave each other's side—even in their darkest dreams.