Midnight Visitors

Mariza stretched her sleeping bag on Wendy's bedroom floor, grinning at her best friend. "This is going to be the best sleepover ever!"

Wendy bounced on her bed, her blonde curls catching the lamplight. "I've got movies, popcorn, and my mom made those cookies you love."

"Perfect!" Mariza's hazel eyes sparkled. She absently twirled a turquoise streak between her fingers, a habit she'd developed since discovering her unusual ability to control fire. Only Wendy knew her secret.

A soft tapping echoed from the window. Both girls froze.

"What was that?" Wendy whispered.

The tapping came again, more insistent. Mariza crept toward the curtains, her brown jacket rustling softly over her green pajama dress. She pulled back the fabric and gasped.

A boy with messy red hair floated outside the second-story window, wearing strange green clothes. Behind him hovered a tiny glowing figure with gossamer wings.

"Peter Pan?" Wendy breathed, appearing beside Mariza.

The boy smiled and gestured for them to open the window.

Midnight Visitors

Wendy rushed to unlatch the window. Cool night air swept into the bedroom as Peter Pan glided inside, his bare feet touching the carpet silently.

"Come on!" he said, grinning. "Adventure awaits in Neverland!"

The tiny glowing figure zipped around his head like an angry hummingbird. Mariza noticed her delicate wings beating so fast they blurred, and her tiny face wore a fierce scowl.

"That's Tinker Bell," Peter explained. "She's not happy about guests."

Tinker Bell let out a series of high-pitched chimes that sounded distinctly unfriendly.

"We can fly?" Wendy asked, her eyes wide.

Peter nodded and sprinkled something sparkly over both girls. "Just think happy thoughts!"

Mariza felt her feet lift off the ground. Wendy squealed with delight as she floated beside her bed.

"This is impossible!" Mariza laughed, doing a slow somersault in midair.

But Tinker Bell's chiming grew louder and more agitated. She darted toward Wendy, tiny fists glowing with anger.

"Tink, no!" Peter called, but the fairy was already diving at Wendy's hair with surprising speed.