31 Frights of October

A Warning from the Stars

Hariet stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, adjusting the red-and-blue striped conductor hat on his head for what felt like the hundredth time. The jacket, vivid with colors and gold buttons, was far too loud for his taste. He tugged at the stiff collar and glanced at the door, dreading stepping out again.

"You ready?" Isabel's voice echoed from the hallway. She was practically bouncing off the walls since they'd left Value Village yesterday. Dressed as a witch, she was already living for Halloween month, and it was only the second day of October.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Hariet muttered to himself, taking a final deep breath. He reluctantly opened the bathroom door, stepping out into the dimly lit living room.

"Hariet, you look so good!" Isabel clapped her hands together, her smile wide beneath her thick, black-rimmed glasses. "You're going to steal the show at the party tonight."

Hariet wrinkled his nose. "I doubt that. I look like I got stuck in a box of crayons and barely made it out alive." He glanced down at the bright colors and sighed. "I still don't know why we're even going."

"Because it's fun!" Isabel beamed, spinning in her witch's cape. "And we need some fun in our lives, especially after... you know." Her voice softened at the mention of their father.

Hariet nodded, looking away. The weight of loss still clung to the air, but Isabel was right. They needed a break from the constant stress, and maybe this costume party would help, even if it was just a distraction.

"Fine. Let's go." He grabbed his keys and followed Isabel out the door.

----

The party was held at one of Isabel's friend's houses, a small but charming place at the edge of town. A bonfire burned in the backyard, and music drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of burning wood and laughter. Hariet immediately felt uncomfortable, the heat making his collar itch as people mingled around the fire.

He stuck close to Isabel, trying to blend into the shadows of the porch while she mingled with the crowd. He'd never been the social type—especially not in a place like this—but Isabel's energy was infectious, and for a moment, he considered letting go.

"Hey, Hariet!" Isabel called out, her eyes sparkling under the soft glow of the fire. "Come meet some of my friends!"

Before he could protest, Isabel was already dragging him toward a group standing near the edge of the yard. They were all in costume—ghosts, vampires, zombies—but one stood out. A tall guy with silver paint covering his skin, metallic-looking eyes, and a tight silver suit that clung to his body. He looked like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

"This is Simon," Isabel introduced him with a grin. "He's an alien, obviously."

"Obviously," Hariet muttered under his breath.

Simon gave a curt nod, his metallic eyes scanning Hariet from head to toe. "Circus conductor?" His voice was low, almost mechanical.

"Yup," Hariet replied, tugging at his sleeves.

"Cool." Simon's gaze lingered for a moment before he looked back at Isabel, as if dismissing Hariet from further conversation.

As they chatted, Hariet found his attention wandering, his eyes drifting toward the bonfire. The flames danced in the cool October air, casting shadows that flickered and twisted around the yard. He felt uneasy, a strange sensation prickling at the back of his neck. It was as if something was watching him—something beyond the typical party noise and chatter.

"Hariet, you good?" Isabel's voice broke through his thoughts.

He blinked, shaking his head. "Yeah, just... weird feeling."