Why Does Right and Wrong Seem So Far Away? An Anne and Richard Halloween Tale

"I promise you won't have to lift a finger,"

October 2013

“Richard?” Anne was waiting apprehensively by the front door as Richard entered, late home from work yet again. Fortunately, he wasn’t angry-looking, just more tired. She took this as a good sign. When he saw her he took no moment’s hesitation before pulling her into his arms and kissing her warmly. Anne was blushing heatedly and had to repress the small giggle that built up inside her whenever they were this close.

“Anne, my sweet. Is anything the matter? Is it Edward?” he looked a little worried. It then occurred to Anne how peculiar it must seem, standing by the door and waiting for him. They had been together for a long time now; she was no longer a reckless teenager waiting for her Romeo to return.

“Oh, no, not exactly,” Anne cherished the way that he looked at her wish so much love and concern in his eyes. And the way that his thoughts always travelled to their beloved Edward.

“Then what is it? Has anything happened? Bad news?”

“No,” Anne sighed. Would he be angry with her for getting little Edward’s hopes up? “No, just, I was wondering…it is coming close to Halloween now. And…and little Edward, Kate and Johnny want to have a little party, here with some of their friends,” she bit her lip so much that she felt the blood rising ferociously.

“Oh, Anne. You waited all that time to ask me that? Of course! A party would be an excellent idea. But don’t always only think of Edward and the others. Invite some of your friends over as well! We can make this the best Halloween Party in the world!” Richard was smiling and laughing at her burning red face and innocent eyes.

“Thank you Richard. Especially after all the difficulty at your work. You must be tired. I’ll arrange everything - you won’t have to lift a finger,” she scampered away from him and up the stairs to find the children.

Richard rushed after her.

“Anne, where are you going?” he called teasingly.

Anne froze at his words. She didn’t feel fear pulsing through her veins but something else. Perhaps excitement. Spinning on her heel, she turned back and trotted down the stairs.

“I suppose telling the children can wait until later…” she murmured as she approached Richard. He smiled affectionately at her and Anne bushed even more severely than before. 

© 2013 by Eliza Wood. All rights reserved.