The wind howled like a banshee, whipping leaves into a frenzy of orange and brown. The air was crisp and smelled of pumpkin spice and something? faintly spooky. Ten-year-old Lily clutched her pumpkin bucket tighter, her heart pounding like a drum. Tonight was Halloween, and she was determined to have the best trick-or-treating adventure ever.

Lily, dressed as a fierce pirate, stood at the edge of the haunted forest. It was a place whispered about in hushed tones, a place where shadows danced and strange noises echoed. But Lily wasn't afraid. She was on a mission. Her friend, Max, had told her about a legendary ghost who lived in the forest, a friendly ghost named Casper who loved Halloween candy.

"Casper is hiding a secret treasure," Max had said, his eyes wide with excitement. "But only someone brave enough to enter the haunted forest can find it."

Lily took a deep breath and stepped into the forest. The trees loomed over her like silent giants, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. The wind rustled through the leaves, whispering secrets only the forest knew. Lily shivered, but kept walking, her eyes searching for any sign of Casper.

Suddenly, a soft glow appeared ahead. Lily cautiously approached, her heart pounding in her chest. There, in the middle of a clearing, was a small, translucent figure. It was Casper, his eyes sparkling like two tiny stars.

"Hello," Casper said, his voice like the rustling of leaves. "You must be Lily."

Lily nodded, her fear melting away. Casper was even more friendly than she had imagined.

"I've heard you're looking for my treasure," Casper said, a mischievous smile appearing on his ghostly face. "But you'll have to solve a riddle first."

Casper presented Lily with a riddle: "I have a mouth but cannot speak, I have a bed but never sleep, I have a head but never weep, I have a back but cannot leap. What am I?"

Lily thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. "A river!" she exclaimed.

Casper chuckled, a sound like wind chimes. "That's right! Now follow me."

Casper led Lily to a small, moss-covered rock. Underneath it, nestled amongst the roots, was a small wooden chest. Lily opened it, her heart pounding with anticipation. Inside, nestled amongst some shiny coins, was a beautiful, hand-carved wooden pirate ship.

"It's for you," Casper said, his eyes twinkling. "Happy Halloween, Lily!"

Lily beamed, her heart overflowing with joy. She had found Casper's treasure, and it was even more amazing than she had ever imagined. She knew she would treasure this gift forever, a reminder of the magical night she spent with a friendly ghost in the haunted forest.

As Lily walked back home, her bucket filled with candy and her heart filled with warmth, she knew this was the best Halloween ever. She had not only found a treasure, but a friend, a friendly ghost who had shown her that even in the darkest of places, magic could be found.