The Sphinx Who Loved Baseball

Emma was practicing her baseball swing in the backyard when she noticed something strange. Her family's swimming pool was glowing with golden light. She crept closer and gasped.

A magical sphinx was floating in the water! It had the body of a lion, huge wings, and a wise face. "Greetings, young human," the sphinx said in a rumbly voice.

Emma wasn't scared. "Hi! I'm Emma. What's your name?"

"I am Sphinxera," the creature replied. "I've watched you play that fascinating game with the stick and ball. Baseball, yes?"

Emma nodded. "It's my favorite! Want to learn?"

Sphinxera's eyes sparkled. "Oh, truly? I've always wanted to try!"

Every day that summer, Emma taught her new friend how to play baseball. Sphinxera was terrible at hitting — her paws were too big — but she was amazing at catching flies in the outfield. The other kids couldn't see Sphinxera (she was invisible to everyone but Emma), so they just thought Emma had magically become a baseball superstar.

One afternoon, Sphinxera looked sad. "Emma, I must return to my homeland soon. But I'll never forget our time together."

Emma hugged the sphinx's fuzzy neck. "You'll always be my best friend, no matter where you are."

Sphinxera smiled and left Emma with a magical baseball that would always find its way back to her. "Remember, Emma," she said, "the best games are played with heart, friendship, and joy."

Emma waved until the golden glow faded from the pool. She knew their friendship would last forever, no matter how far apart they were.