[James](Q4L4TGFJ) had just moved to Ohio, and he didn't know anyone in his new neighborhood. He loved to draw, but it was hard to make friends when you were the new kid.

One quiet night, as [James](Q4L4TGFJ) lay in bed, he heard a strange noise. It was a soft tapping sound, coming from his closet. His heart thudded as the tapping stopped. He decided to be brave and check it out.

[James](Q4L4TGFJ) tiptoed to his closet and peeked inside. He gasped when he saw a blue, polka-dotted monster with three horns and red eyes! He shouted for his mom, but when she checked, the monster was gone.

Later that night, [James](Q4L4TGFJ) found the monster hiding behind his toy chest. "Don’t be scared," [James](Q4L4TGFJ) said softly. The monster peeked out, and [James](Q4L4TGFJ) decided to call him [Blues](WQSQ9PZT).

Over the next few days, [James](Q4L4TGFJ) and [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) became friends. [James](Q4L4TGFJ) read stories to [Blues](WQSQ9PZT), who listened quietly. He even tried to share his mac and cheese, but [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) liked his toys best—so much so that he accidentally ate a few!

One morning, [James](Q4L4TGFJ) brought his favorite drawing of [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) for show and tell. “I have a monster friend,” he told his classmates excitedly. But the other kids just laughed. [James](Q4L4TGFJ) felt very sad.

That afternoon, [James](Q4L4TGFJ) went home and told [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) what happened. "I think we’ll have to keep you a secret," [James](Q4L4TGFJ) said sadly. [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) gave him a comforting hug with his soft, polka-dotted arms.

From then on, [James](Q4L4TGFJ) and [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) spent their time together in secret. They drew pictures, created stories, and laughed until their bellies hurt. Even though it was just the two of them, they were happiest when they were together.

[James](Q4L4TGFJ) learned that it was okay to have a secret friend, and [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) learned to stop eating toys! They promised they’d always look out for each other. It wasn’t long before [James](Q4L4TGFJ) made new friends at school, but [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) always remained his best friend.

Even years later, [James](Q4L4TGFJ) would look back on those days with [Blues](WQSQ9PZT) as some of the best moments of his life. After all, monsters can make the greatest friends of all!