The Zombie Bear's Thunder Game

Tommy loved his old teddy bear. But after years of hugs, Barnaby had lost his left eye, his stuffing was falling out, and one ear hung by a thread. "You look like a zombie bear," Tommy giggled, hugging him anyway.

That night, a storm rolled in. Lightning flashed across the sky, painting Tommy's room in bright purple flashes. He peeked through the curtains, watching the bolts dance like fireworks.

Suddenly — CRACK! The loudest lightning yet struck the old oak tree in the backyard. The lights flickered and went out. Tommy stumbled in the dark, tripping over the thick black cable that ran from the television to the wall.

When he looked up, Barnaby was standing on the bed.

"Did that lightning just make you move?" Tommy gasped.

Barnaby's one good eye twinkled. His floppy ear perked up. The stuffing in his tummy rumbled like distant thunder.

"I've always been magic," the bear rumbled. "The lightning just woke me up."

Tommy's eyes widened. "Can you play?"

"What's baseball?" Barnaby asked.

Tommy grabbed his plastic bat and ball from the corner. He showed Barnaby how to hold the bat, though the zombie bear's paws were clumsy and loose. Outside in the rain-misted yard, Tommy pitched the ball. Barnaby swung with all his might.

WHIFF! He spun around and fell over.

Tommy laughed, helping him up. "Again!"

For an hour, they played under the clearing sky. Barnaby missed every swing, but he didn't mind. "I may not be good at baseball," the bear said, "but I'm good at being your friend."

The lightning had passed. The moon peeked through clouds.

"Will you stay awake?" Tommy asked, hugging his friend tight.

Barnaby's stuffing had already stopped rumbling. His ear drooped again. His one eye closed. But Tommy didn't feel sad. The bear had moved for him. That was magic enough.

That night, Tommy fell asleep dreaming of zombie bears, thunderous games, and friendship that shines brighter than lightning.