Kevin had already helped his mom craft a costume and assisted his dad in decorating their house, eagerly imagining the mountain of candy he’d collect on Halloween night. Yet, something kept nagging at him—an undecorated house on his street. He couldn’t understand why anyone would skip celebrating, so he figured they must need help.

The neighborhood buzzed with excitement as Halloween approached. Every yard seemed to be trying to outdo the others for the title of “spookiest house.” Jack-o’-lanterns with jagged smiles lit up the sidewalks, plastic skeletons dangled from trees, and cobwebs clung to porches. The air smelled of dry leaves and candy, and eleven-year-old Kevin breathed it all in, his heart racing with excitement.

Halloween was his favorite day of the year. It was the one day you could be anyone you wanted, and Kevin loved how the world transformed into something magical for just one night.

As he wandered down the street, his eyes flickered from one house to the next, each one decked out in glowing decorations or eerie ghosts. The sound of cackling witches and creaking doors filled the air, and Kevin couldn’t help but smile. But then, something caught his eye.

One house stood out, and not in a good way. It was completely dark, void of any Halloween spirit—no pumpkins, no cobwebs, not even a skeleton. The sight made Kevin frown. It was Mrs. Kimbly’s house.