31 Frights of October

A Carnival of Companionship

The wind ruffled the autumn leaves causing few to pluck off and swirl down between the festival booths. the smell of pumpkin spice lattes and ripe vegetables floated through the air, an interesting combination but worked together, nonetheless.

Agnes scrunched her grey hair, the moisture still lurking in the atmosphere from the night before had clung to her hair like one of her yarn balls. She held Doris's hand tightly, their old, wrinkled hands warming together as the frigid air bit at them.

Agnes adjusted her thick glasses scouring the crowd of people for their double date. Agnes had suggested they go on a double date with her friend as a way to help Doris out of her shell. Doris was the type of old woman to own a million cats and knit them all individual outfits, while Agnes would bake cookies and knit blankets for her grandchildren or join clubs around the town.

Finally, two elderly people stuck out to her, a short boxy old man and his lanky wife. Doris squeezed her girlfriend's hand nervously as Agnes ushered them over.

"I was beginning to wonder if you two were going to show up!" the man's voice gravely said.

"Oh Walter! We wouldn't miss this for the world!" Agnes animatedly exclaimed elbowing him in the gut, they both chuckled a little before admiring the colourful event. Intricate decorations popped out at them while booths crowded all the sides of the venue bursting with products, games and goodies.

Walter's wife, Mildred adjusted her thin framed glasses squinting to see the far end of the fair where a small booth was set. A large poster she could just barely make out read "Ticket trade in here.", the poster was surrounded by the largest and most festive of Halloween decorations with small price tags hanging off them.

Mildred grinned her wrinkled lips spreading widely. "I think we should hold a contest." Doris flushed; she was already feeling nervous just being here a competition would make her even more on edge. But when she looked around at her friends, they all seemed to be filled with passion eager to compete.

"Let's do it in teams, whoever can get the most tickets by the end of the night wins! Losers have to bring their finest wine to our Halloween party." Mildred flicked a devious look at Agnes and Doris, the competition had begun!

Walter was dragged off by Mildred as they quickly scampered over to the corn maze. While Agnes tried to ignite some passion in Doris all she could harbor was anxiety.

"How about we hit up the maze of mirrors first? It gives you 50 tickets to complete it!" Agnes smiled cheerfully. The maze of mirrors was quite empty compared to the other attractions; Agnes really knew her well. Doris smiled slightly and hung onto Agnes's coat sleeve as they slowly made their way there.

The two of them approached the entrance to the maze of mirrors. The tall, glimmering panels reflected the glowing carnival lights, distorting them into a dazzling, chaotic mess. Doris hesitated at the entrance, her grip tightening on Agnes's sleeve. Her reflection, twisted and stretched by the mirrors, seemed to mock her nervousness.

"It's just some glass and lights, sweetheart," Agnes said softly, her hand gently patting Doris's. "We'll be through it before you know it. Plus, 50 tickets are nothing to scoff at!"

Doris smiled faintly. "I know, I know. I just—mirrors are so tricky. What if we get stuck?"

"Then we'll get stuck together," Agnes winked, leading her forward.

They entered, the cool air inside the maze a welcome change from the chilly breeze outside. Immediately, the reflections bounced back at them from every direction. Agnes, always confident, led the way with cautious steps, pausing every now and then to make sure they didn't lose each other. Doris followed closely behind, still clinging to her girlfriend's sleeve like a lifeline.