The Zombie Who Loved Padel

Lily's cat whiskers twitched as the storm clouds gathered above the padel court. Lightning flashed, and suddenly a golden pyramid appeared where the back wall should be.

"Meow!" said Mittens, darting toward the glowing structure.

"Mittens, wait!" Lily called, grabbing her padel racket and chasing after her adventurous cat.

Inside the pyramid, the walls sparkled like diamonds. In the center stood a green figure with messy hair and crooked teeth. A zombie!

Lily gasped. But the zombie didn't moan or shuffle. He was bouncing a ball against the wall with perfect rhythm.

"Hello there!" the zombie grinned. "I'm Zed. Would you like to play?"

Mittens purred and rubbed against Zed's leg. Lily's fear melted away. "You know padel?"

"I've watched children play for centuries," Zed said. "But I've never had anyone to play WITH."

They played an amazing game. Zed wasn't scary at all—he was kind, funny, and a wonderful sport. Every time Lily scored, he cheered. Every time Zed scored, Mittens meowed with excitement.

More lightning flashed outside. The pyramid began to fade.

"Will I ever see you again?" Lily asked.

Zed smiled. "Magic finds kind hearts. Look for me whenever lightning strikes and padel balls bounce."

The pyramid vanished. Lily stood in the storm with her cat and her padel racket, her heart full of new friendship.

Sometimes, the scariest-looking people are the most wonderful friends—if you're brave enough to say hello.