Determined to fix the situation, Kevin crossed the street and knocked on her door. After a pause, Mrs. Kimbly answered, looking stern and suspicious. When he offered to help decorate, she refused with a snap, insisting she didn’t want or need it. The door slammed shut before Kevin could say more.
Disheartened, Kevin returned home and explained what happened to his mom. She suggested leaving Mrs. Kimbly alone, pointing out that people have their reasons. But Kevin’s gut told him Mrs. Kimbly was not angry—just lonely. He resolved to try again. If she wouldn’t accept his help directly, he could at least surprise her.
The following day, Kevin gathered extra decorations—lights, spiders, and his most cherished carved pumpkin—and set them up on Mrs. Kimbly’s porch while she was inside. He worked swiftly and quietly, hoping to bring a bit of Halloween magic to her home. Just as he placed the last pumpkin, the door flew open. Mrs. Kimbly, furious, demanded to know what he was doing. Before Kevin could explain, she grabbed his precious pumpkin and smashed it. Heartbroken, Kevin didn’t argue; he turned and ran home, tears stinging his eyes.
That night, as ghosts and goblins roamed the streets, Kevin’s heart wasn’t in it. He couldn’t enjoy collecting candy while thinking of Mrs. Kimbly’s dark house. He worried kids might target it with pranks. Instead of following his friends, Kevin returned to her porch and settled down, handing out his own candy to trick-or-treaters, telling them Mrs. Kimbly wasn’t home. He waited, refusing to let anyone ruin her place.
After a while, the door opened again. This time, Mrs. Kimbly’s anger had vanished. She asked why he was there, and Kevin explained that he didn’t want anyone messing with her house. Her tense posture softened as she admitted that Halloween made her feel lonely. She had no family and didn’t celebrate, watching others enjoy the holiday only reminded her of what she lacked.
Kevin offered a warm smile and invited her to join in somehow, so she wouldn’t feel alone. Surprised but touched, Mrs. Kimbly apologized for destroying his pumpkin. He brushed it off, promising he had another one at home. Maybe they could carve it together?
Mrs. Kimbly chuckled quietly, and Kevin dashed off to retrieve the pumpkin. For the first time in years, she felt a gentle warmth on Halloween night—all because of a boy who refused to give up, who insisted that everyone deserved a place in the celebration.