another pro
The cool, crisp air danced around the empty trees on Halloween night. The sound of crunching leaves filled the ears of many passing by. Each different in various ways, but the same in one. Smiles laid across every painted face, lips smeared with chocolate stains. As night dragged on, I waited by the wooden door. A bowl with splashes of red sat in my hands. Though the door would not open until I heard the magic words, filled with spirit and excitement. The creaking of my old door startled the young children, but they did not budge. They had come to claim their prize. Admiring the costumes I found that the shortest one with the scrunched face was covered in leather and grease, holding his candy basket in one and a lighter in the other. I received a wink and a sly smile when I gave him his treat. The next kid, far taller than the previous boy, was dressed in jean, with gelled hair that spiked up to a point, a cheap guitar strung across his back. As I gave him a snicker, I noticed a worn ticket and pick sat in the basket. Sending them off with a smile, I waved to the mother who stood several feet away. She had lost the joy of the holiday years ago, and kept warm in a sweatshirt. Though she wanted her children to feel the same as she did, before she was forced to grow up. In a matter of seconds, my next guest arrived. This little girl wore a business suit that was a few sizes too big and glasses that were tilted from use, but her confidence hid it. In her basket laid a wallet stuffed to the brim of her dreams. I slipped her more candies than I would have liked, but I knew she deserved it. I watched her leave and go to the next house, wishing I was as bright eyed as her. But I had no time to ponder, as my final guests arrived. A brother and sister stood eagerly at my stoop, the boy dressed in simple pastel pajamas holding a worn teddy bear. While the sister dressed in black, had painted whiskers and crooked nose on her face. A long tail swayed in the breeze, and in her basket was a pink cat toy that glowed in the twilight. I sent them off with the rest of my candy as I called it a night. A childish smile strung across my face as I saw the future generation on my doorstep that night.
