The Zombie Who Loved Baseball

Ten-year-old Maya pressed her eye to the telescope, just like a real spy. She was on a secret mission in her own backyard.

Every day after school, the neighborhood kids played baseball in the park. Maya always watched from her window, wishing she could join. But she was too shy.

One day, her little brother Sam dragged out his favorite toy—a stuffed zombie with bright green hair and a goofy smile.

"Zommy wants to play!" Sam said, tossing the toy toward the park.

The zombie landed right in the middle of the baseball field. The kids laughed. Then something magical happened.

A boy named Leo picked up Zommy and threw him back—soaring higher than any baseball ever flew. Maya gasped and grabbed her mom's iPhone to record it.

"Come play!" Leo called, waving at Maya.

Her heart fluttered like a butterfly. She grabbed her baseball glove and ran outside.

"I'm Maya," she whispered, standing near home plate.

"I'm Leo, and this is Zommy," Leo grinned, holding up the zombie toy. "He's our new mascot!"

Maya took her position in the outfield. The sun warmed her face. The bat made a satisfying *crack* when Leo hit the ball. It sailed toward Maya.

She caught it!

"You're amazing!" everyone cheered.

For the first time, Maya wasn't watching. She was playing. The zombie toy sat on the bench, his green hair blowing in the wind, like he was cheering too.

When the game ended, Leo handed Zommy to Maya. "He wants to go home with you. Same time tomorrow?"

Maya hugged the zombie tight. "Yes!"

That night, Maya looked at her iPhone photos—one picture showed Zommy in mid-air, looking like he was flying.

She realized something wonderful: sometimes the scariest things (like zombies and joining new games) turn out to be the best adventures. All you have to do is be brave enough to step onto the field.