His Angel

2

The night was cold, and the wind blew dry leaves across the sidewalks. It was Halloween, and I was at home, surrounded by jack-o'-lanterns and spider webs that my parents had decorated with such care. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, but I felt a bit out of place, as if this vibrant energy was something I just couldn't keep up with.

My pirate costume was complete with a black hat and a toy sword. I wore it with a certain pride, but at the same time, I felt a twinge of discomfort. My parents' parties were usually lively events, full of conversation and laughter, but I always preferred to observe rather than participate. The commotion around me seemed almost overwhelming.

I was in a corner of the room, away from the hustle and bustle, trying not to attract too much attention. My parents were busy greeting guests and organizing activities, so I took the opportunity to explore the house on my own. I passed by tables full of treats, but without much interest. My mind was filled with thoughts and observations as I wandered through the decorated hallways, watching the shadows and lights dance on the walls.

My mom, Emma, appeared in the kitchen where I was examining the decorations. "Damon, dear," she called, "Are you okay? You don't seem to be having fun."

I looked at her, slightly annoyed. "Yes, Mom, I'm fine. I'm just not as excited as everyone else."

She gave me a sympathetic look. "I understand, but why don't you try mingling a bit more? Maybe you'll find someone new to play with."

I knew she was right, but the thought of forcing social interaction felt uncomfortable. However, I nodded in agreement and continued to move around the house, trying to engage with my surroundings.

That's when I heard some commotion at the entrance. I went over to see who was arriving. The doors opened, and a new family walked in, bringing a breath of novelty. I watched from afar, still standing behind a column. Among them was a girl who immediately caught my attention. She was dressed as an angel, with a golden halo and wings that seemed to shimmer in the light of the lanterns.

My curiosity was instantly piqued. I knew my parents were going to greet the new guests, and for some reason, the presence of this girl drew me in. As my parents chatted with her family, I partially hid behind the column, watching the scene unfold.

When she passed by me, I could see her red hair shimmering under the soft light. I was intrigued but kept my demeanor reserved. Hearing my mom call for me, I prepared to greet the new guests. I approached with a hesitant step, trying not to show my unease.

"Hi," I said, trying to sound casual. "You look like a real angel."

The girl, named Aurora, smiled at me. Her smile was genuine and bright. "Thank you! And you're a pirate?" She laughed, gently fluttering her wings.

I felt a bit more at ease with her response. "Yes, I'm a pirate. I used to have a real ship, but now all I have is this sword." I lifted my toy sword, trying to appear confident.

Aurora looked at the sword and then back at me. "Wow, that's cool! I've never met a real pirate before."

Her compliment made me blush a little. I wasn't expecting that and started to feel a bit more relaxed. "And I've never met an angel before. Want to play for a bit?"

Aurora hesitated for a moment but then smiled and agreed. "Sure! Let's explore the house and see what else is around.

The house was filled with Halloween decorations. The walls were covered in fake spider webs, and the tables were piled high with colorful treats. Pumpkin lanterns cast a soft, orange glow over the room.

We ran through the hallways, taking in everything around us.

"Hey, do you always dress up like this for Halloween?" I asked, trying to sound nice.

She turned to me, her smile as bright as her costume. "Yes! I love Halloween because I can become anything I want. How about you, do you always dress up as a pirate?"

"Not always. I've been a superhero and an astronaut too. But this year I wanted to be a pirate; it's more fun."

She laughed, and the sound was so light and cheerful that it seemed to make the room shine even brighter. I was starting to feel more at ease.

"I think it's really cool! Your pirate hat is awesome. Have you ever been on a real boat?"

"No, never. I only have a toy boat. But I like to imagine I'm on sea adventures."

As we chatted, I walked beside her, showing her the decorations I had discovered. The house was full of interesting details, like a large cauldron of candy and monster figures that moved with a bit of electricity. I was beginning to see Aurora not just as a new friend but as someone who really made the party seem more enjoyable.

"I like drawing clothes. I want to be a fashion designer when I grow up. I've made several costumes, but this angel one is my favorite," she said, with a sparkle in her eye.

"Wow, that's cool! I can barely draw. How do you make your clothes?"

"It's easy, I get help from my mom. She also loves fashion."

I watched as her joy transformed everything around us. The way she talked about fashion and her creations made me feel like I was with someone special.

"Do you have siblings? Do they like Halloween too?"

"Yes, I have four siblings. They like Halloween, but they're more of a handful. Only my twin brother, Dominique, is as excited about costumes as I am."

"I don't have any siblings. Sometimes I feel alone at parties and wish I had someone to play with."

Aurora looked at me with a kind, understanding expression, and I began to feel closer to her. The idea of playing with her and sharing moments seemed more and more appealing.

"Have you ever thought about doing something different for next Halloween? Like, coming up with a story for your costume?"

"I hadn't thought about that. What do you suggest?"

"We could create a big adventure, like we're on a special mission. We can make up a story and become part of it!"

I imagined her idea, and the thought of going on an adventure with Aurora was exciting. I wanted her to always be around, sharing moments like these.

"I'd love to do that. You know, I'm thinking it would be great if we could be friends forever."

"I want to be your friend forever too! It's so much fun playing with you."

As the party continued and laughter filled the house, I found myself drawn to her more and more. Each conversation and smile made my heart beat faster, and I began to realize that I wanted something more than just friendship with Aurora. It was something I didn't completely understand, but it made me eager to always be by her side.