It was a perfect Halloween night. The bright orange moon was full, bathing Jessie’s neighborhood in a strange, surreal glow. He watched from his window in fascination as costumed children walked from house to house, gathering candy. He did not turn on his lights when it became dark, nor did he answer the door. He had forgotten all about Halloween and had not bought candy for the night. Each group of children passed his house noisily. His neighbors had decorated up their yards with jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, and colored lights. How could he possibly have forgotten Halloween? Every now and then, a kid would walk up to his door, knock hopefully, then leave. He was enjoying watching the strange procession of witches, hoboes, vampires, and ballerinas. It began to get late and children came around less often. Then, he saw it.
At first he thought it was a large boy. A boy with long shaggy hair, a fake beard, and a strange gait. As it got closer, though, he realized it was not a boy at all, but some sort of animal. At this point, he became alarmed. If it was a wild creature, it could harm someone. He watched more intently. It moved closer to his house. A car passed, and it crouched behind a bush. He saw that it’s eyes glowed in the passing lights. Furtively, it moved onto his lawn. Should he turn on the lights? Call the authorities? Instead, he drew down below the window and peeked out cautiously, hoping not to be seen. It climbed a tree with great agility, then leaped unexpectedly onto his front steps. It uttered a horrible growl and he could see sharp teeth bared in the moonlight. Neighbors turned off their lights one by one. No one else was to be seen. He was alone in the dark.
He groped around for a weapon. He felt the handle of a broom and grasped it tightly. The creature was approaching his front door, which was not locked. He peeked out the window one more time. It looked back, then grinned a hideous grin, fangs dripping. Slowly, he inched towards the front door, heart pounding. He gripped the broom even more tightly, prepared to strike.
Then, there was a knock on the door. Should he answer it, or should he run? It knocked again, this time more loudly. He began to back away, towards the bedroom. When it knocked again, his breath froze in his throat. Now, he inched forward, towards the door, curiosity overcoming his fear. Slowly, slowly, he opened the door.
It’s eyes gleamed blood red. It’s horrid mouth opened, revealing razor sharp teeth. He drew back. A dark cloud passed the moon, leaving him sightless. “Hey mister,” it said, “TRICK OR TREAT!”
