Halloween long ago. It was a full moon night, as is every Halloween. At least in stories. My friend and I in footy-PJs. One of us was Tom. The other was Jerry. I don’t remember who was who. I think I was a mouse. Just the two of us together. Old enough kids to ring the neighborhood doorbells without our parents. Young enough kids to still find the thrill. Our first Halloween out alone, I think. An empty house left a bowl on the porch. A sign said please take one. Somebody was thoughtful to leave candy even when nobody was home. But the bowl was empty. Someone must have taken much more than their share. Young enough to have an intact “that’s not fair” meter. Old enough to decide to leave some of our candy in that bowl. Young enough to feel very grown up offering our treats to make things right.
One perfect night with lighter candy pillowcases, growing delight and tired feet.