ring around Rosy

The Andrews

The Andrews were an interesting bunch, that's undeniable. Mr. Andrews didn't work, at least that's how it seemed, though it was always possible he worked at home, it was 2021 after all. Always waltzing his yard stabbing a sharp pole through the grassy earth. once in a while he'd nail the shed door to their house shut. Why? he had too, those tiny little scallops, his kids, I mean would always try to sneak in. be it with a crowbar, or by sheer force, he'd always barely catch them. Mrs. Andrews though was the most interesting, she'd barely leave the house, of course, she'd come by for friendly neighborhood gatherings or could be spotted in the supermarket. Otherwise, she kept to the house, her pumpkins growing large and ripe for fall.

It's quite amusing to watch the Andrews. It's like a secret movie theater from the safety of a window.

"ROSE, don't stare at the neighbors!" My stupid husband said. I turned to the man reluctantly releasing hold of my binoculars.
"I can't help it, Tom! Look," I handed the binoculars to Tom who looked through them. Mr. Andrews began stabbing the stick in the ground. I pointed to him hoping Tom would understand.

"Ya see? He's doing it again, Tom!" Tom took the binoculars placing them on the fridge, again.
"He's probably just building something."
"Building what Tom?" I asked irritated Tom sighed his annoyed eyes looking at me. Why did I marry this man? I could have married anyone, I had a chance to marry Elton John when I was younger, ELTON JOHN! Sure it probably wouldn't have worked out, but what sin had I committed to make me stupid enough to marry someone like Tom Pines.

I know, that's a mean thing to say. He always cared about me, be it annoying as hell.

"Are you inner monologuing about me again!" Tom asked I looked at my watch hoping to distract him as I forced a smile onto my face.

"oh, it's almost 6:00 better get going, professor." Tom sighed looking at the Andrews house before turning to me.

"you're going to leave them alone, right." I laughed

"oh, of course, hon, I have to get those treats done. Gotta make Halloween extra special for the kids who are still enjoying it!" Tom kissed my head as he rushed out the door giving me a brief wave from the window. I waved back patiently waiting for his car to disappear. Once it had I tactfully opened the cold oven pulling my secret stash of brookies from their perfect hiding spot. I placed my mask over my face and opened the door.

As expected, the little trouble makers were at it again. The little boy did his best to smash through the chain as the girl peeked around for her father. I should have let it be, turned around, but Mr. Andrews was nowhere to be seen and I had yet to actually meet him or his kids. I wander towards the children doing my best to keep my distance. they looked at me surprised.

"why hello there, and what are you two doing?" The boy looked at me surprised chucking the stick he was holding away, I chuckled knowingly.

"Sorry there, didn't mean to spook ya, I was just heading out on a walk and I thought maybe you'd like a treat. If it's okay with your dad, of course." The children eyed the Brookies longingly before looking at me.

"A treat, like, food, treat." I nodded a slight chill rushing up my spine as he looked at me. The little girl looked towards the house window.

"Can I give ma one too?" I smiled at the girl.

"Oh of course, if it's okay with your parents." The children's faces went pale as they looked at each other. the sound of crunching leaves came towards us. I looked towards the sound a similar thin face looked at me her large sun hat drooping over her eyes as her waist-long hair flowed with the wind's rhythm. I waved to the woman as she tended to her pumpkins.