Halloween was always Daren's favorite holiday. It was fun and surprising and had an air of possibility about it. Anything could happen! He had to admit that in nearly 50 years, nothing totally unexpected ever HAD happened, but the chance was there.
This year, like the last five, he and his wife were going next door to spend the evening. The kids had gone out with friends to a great party and were not due back until late. He and Lori always made their house all dark and went next door to help hand out candy and spend the evening with Sue and Dave. They cooked on the grill, sitting on the patio and having a few drinks before going in to ready the candy bowl for the onslaught. As soon as it became dark, the doorbell began ringing. They took turns answering and handing out the goodies. Daren thought he noticed the same car out front each time he had door-duty, but shrugged it off.
They continued sipping drinks and laughing together as the kids made a steady path to the door. As he returned from the door for the millionth time, Lori asked him to go to their house to pick up a package she had for Sue. Everyone was feeling a little tipsy and happy. Lori was being exceptionally friendly and intimate. Daren hated to leave that. But he also wanted a little break from all the short ghosts and witches, so he agreed to go. He slipped out the back and went to his kitchen door, unlocking and opening it a little clumsily.
As he entered the kitchen, he heard a soft voice behind him. He had just switched on the light when a woman stepped into the room after him. He noted her form-fitting black cat costume, a pretty furry tail swaying behind her. Her hair was short and silver-streaked, a jeweled mask covering her upper face, but highlighting her sparkling eyes. She told him not to worry, he was perfectly safe with her, and then she turned off the light.