The Zombie Who Loved Oranges

Lily was swimming in the old pond behind her house when she saw something strange. A green figure was peeking out from behind the willow tree. It had messy hair, clothes full of holes, and skin that looked like pickle color.

Lily swam closer. "Hello?" she called.

The figure stepped out. It was a zombie! But instead of saying "Brains..." like in the movies, he smiled shyly and waved.

"I'm Zeb," he said. "I like swimming too."

Lily was surprised. "You're a zombie, but you seem nice!"

Zeb nodded. "I'm different. I don't want brains. I want something else." He looked at the orange tree nearby. "I love oranges!"

Lily laughed. "That's my favorite fruit too!" She swam to the edge and picked an orange. "Want one?"

Zeb's eyes lit up. He took the orange and peeled it perfectly. "Yum! This is wonderful."

They spent the afternoon swimming together. Zeb was actually a great swimmer! He did funny splashes and made Lily laugh so hard her stomach hurt.

"Why do you hide behind the tree?" Lily asked.

"People get scared," Zeb said sadly. "They think all zombies are mean."

"That's not fair," Lily said. "You're the best swimming buddy ever!"

The next day, Lily brought all her friends to meet Zeb. At first they were scared, but soon everyone was swimming and eating oranges together.

Zeb taught them the zombie paddle (a funny swimming style), and they taught him how to have orange races.

"The best things come from unexpected places," Lily's mom said later.

Lily smiled. She had learned that friendship isn't about how someone looks—it's about kindness and sharing oranges and swimming on sunny days.

And sometimes, the most wonderful friends are the ones you least expect.