The Zombie Who Loved Stars

Lily loved the old swimming pool behind her house. Even though the water had dried up years ago, it was now the perfect place for stargazing. Every night, she climbed down the concrete steps and lay on her back, watching the sky sparkle.

One night, during a summer storm, something magical happened. Lightning flashed across the sky, but instead of fading away, one bolt spiraled down like a glowing ribbon and landed right in the empty pool.

Lily held her breath. From the light emerged a small figure — a zombie! But this wasn't a scary zombie like in movies. He had greenish skin and messy black hair, but his eyes twinkled like friendly stars.

"I'm Ziggy," he squeaked. "The lightning brought me here by mistake!"

Lily sat up, amazed. "I'm Lily. Are you... real?"

Ziggy nodded sadly. "Yes, but I don't belong here. I need to get back to the Cloud Kingdom before sunrise."

Suddenly, thunder rumbled. From the bushes burst a massive creature — a bull! Lily gasped, but the bull stopped and looked at them with gentle brown eyes.

"That's Ferdinand!" Lily exclaimed. "He lives on the farm next door. He's the friendliest bull ever."

Ferdinand lowered his big head and let Ziggy pet his nose. The bull seemed to understand Ziggy needed help.

"I have an idea!" Lily said. "Ziggy, can you ride on Ferdinand's back? I'll guide you to the highest hill in town. You'll be closer to the clouds there!"

Ziggy climbed onto Ferdinand's broad back, and Lily led them through the night. At the top of Starlight Hill, Ziggy stood and raised his arms.

"Thank you, Lily! Thank you, Ferdinand!" Ziggy called as another lightning bolt swooped down.

"Visit me again!" Lily waved.

"I will!" Ziggy promised, disappearing into the clouds.

Lily and Ferdinand walked home under the starlight, knowing that friends come in all shapes, sizes, and colors — even green ones.