The Zombie Who Needed a Friend

Lily loved exploring the woods behind her house. Every afternoon, she'd grab her backpack, whistle for her dog Buster, and set off on adventures.

One Tuesday, something strange happened. Behind the old oak tree, Lily spotted a greenish figure slowly walking between the trees. It was a zombie!

But this zombie looked different from the ones in movies. He wasn't scary at all. His clothes were tattered, and he moved slowly, like he hadn't stretched properly in years. His eyes looked sad and lonely.

Buster, usually brave, hid behind Lily's legs. The zombie stopped and lowered his head, as if he knew he frightened them.

"It's okay," Lily called out softly. "Are you lost?"

The zombie nodded slowly. His stomach gave a loud grumble.

Lily's eyes widened. "You're hungry!" She dug into her backpack and pulled out her favorite orange gummy vitamins. "My mom says these give you energy and make you strong. Want one?"

The zombie's eyes lit up. He carefully took the vitamin and chewed it thoughtfully. Then he smiled for the first time—a goofy, crooked smile that made Lily laugh.

Just then, music started playing from Lily's pocket. It was her iPhone, ringing with her mom's special sunshine song. She had forgotten to silence it!

The zombie's eyes grew wide. He pointed at the glowing screen. Lily showed him the phone and played a happy song. The zombie started dancing—slowly at first, then faster, spinning and twirling until even Buster joined in, barking happily.

They danced together until sunset. As the sky turned purple, Lily knew it was time to go home.

"Will you be okay?" she asked.

The zombie nodded, looking stronger already. He gave Lily a gentle hug and waved goodbye.

Every day after school, Lily returned with more vitamins and happy songs. Slowly, the zombie's greenish color faded until he looked just like any regular boy. He told her his name was Zane, and he'd been asleep for a very long time.

They became the best of friends. Zane taught Lily secret forest games, and Lily taught Zane about the world above ground. Buster loved Zane best because Zane always shared his vitamins.

Lily learned that sometimes, the things that seem scary just need a little kindness—and maybe a vitamin or two—to show their true colors. After all, everyone needs a friend.