Kevin couldn’t contain his excitement as Halloween drew near. He had already helped his mom put together a costume and assisted his dad with decorating their house. Each passing day, he imagined the massive pile of candy he’d gather when Halloween night finally arrived. Yet, something nagged at him—a single house on his street remained undecorated. Why would anyone skip joining the neighborhood’s spirited preparations? In Kevin’s mind, that could only mean they needed help.
Every yard in the neighborhood seemed to be competing for the scariest display. Bright jack-o’-lanterns cast flickering light, skeletons rattled in the breeze, and synthetic cobwebs stretched across porches. Kevin breathed in the scent of fallen leaves and sugar, his heart fluttering with excitement. Halloween was his favorite day, the one time he could become anyone he wanted, and he loved how the world transformed for just one evening.
Strolling along the street, he admired each house: glowing decorations, eerie ghosts, cackling witches. It all made him grin—until he spotted a house that stood out in all the wrong ways. No pumpkins, no lights, no decorations at all. It belonged to Mrs. Kimbly, a quiet older woman who mostly kept to herself. Kevin had helped her with yard work before, and though she never said much, he couldn’t understand why she’d ignore Halloween. It felt wrong that someone would miss out on the fun, especially someone who lived alone.
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