The Zombie Who Just Wanted to Play

Lily discovered something glowing under the old oak tree in her backyard. It was an iphone, but not like any phone she'd ever seen—this one shimmered with rainbow lights and hummed a soft, magical tune.

When she touched the screen, bubbles floated out! One bubble popped, and out tumbled a greenish girl with patchy skin and crooked teeth. A zombie! But this zombie wore a bright yellow bow in her hair and smiled shyly.

"Hi! I'm Zizi," the zombie said, her voice sounding like crunchy autumn leaves. "I've been trapped in that magical phone for ninety-nine years. Want to play?"

Lily's eyes widened. A real zombie! In her backyard! But Zizi seemed so friendly, with her sparkly sneakers and the way she bounced on her toes like she couldn't wait to have fun.

"What do you want to play?" Lily asked.

Zizi's face lit up. "Baseball! I've watched children play from inside the phone. It looks like the most wonderful game in the world!"

Lily grabbed her old baseball and glove from the garage. She showed Zizi how to throw and catch. Zizi's arms were a little wobbly, and she tripped over her own feet twice, but she laughed every time she fell. Her laugh sounded like wind chimes.

They played until the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Zizi wiped sweat from her forehead and pointed toward the pond behind Lily's house.

"I've always dreamed of swimming," she whispered. "Do you think the water would be okay with me being... well, me?"

Lily took her friend's green hand. "The pond doesn't care what you look like. It only cares that you're ready to splash!"

Side by side, they jumped into the cool water. Zizi squealed with delight as she floated on her back, looking up at the first stars appearing in the darkening sky. Fish darted around her legs as if she'd always belonged there.

"I thought everyone would be scared of me," Zizi said softly. "I thought I'd never have a friend."

Lily hugged her soggy, wonderful friend. "That's the thing about magic. It helps you see what really matters—the heart inside."

The magical iphone glowed brighter than ever. Zizi smiled, knowing her hundred years of waiting had led her to exactly where she was meant to be: splashing in a pond with her very first best friend.