Twelve Halloween Horror Stories – A 2021–2022 Terror Marathon

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Well, hello, my spookies. It's your host and narrator Enrique

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Kuto here, and it's Friday in October. So I think

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it's time for some scary stories and why not head

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back to twenty and twenty one in twenty twenty two

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to hear some of our best Halloween stories right here

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at Weekly Spooky. So, whether you're a brand new listener

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or you've been listening the entire six years we've been on,

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now's the time to refresh your memory with something scary.

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We have twelve stories all about Halloween night and the

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mischief that comes with the territory. So get yourself comfortable.

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We have enough stories to get you nearly through an

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entire work day, so get comfortable or get to work

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in because we have nothing but scares to come, So

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why not start it all off with a little pumpkin

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spice and nothing Nice. It definitely hits the spot when

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it's in your cup. Enjoy Pumpkin Spice and Nothing Nice.

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By Charles Campbell, seven o'clock am, October thirty first, Amber

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Hannah sighed in frustration as she impatiently waited in line

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at Frankie's Donuts, a line that was threatening to spill

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outside the front door. By her count, she was in

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spot eight and so far every single person is ordered

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a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin spice donuts or both.

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Amber was so over the fall season she just wanted

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her caramel cap pucchino and glazed doughnut before heading into

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the office. Everything was pumpkin spice, from candles to fucking clorox.

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No shit, she saw pumpkin spice clorox in the grocery

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store the day before. She dreaded the three block walk

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to her office because as soon as she arrives, Amber

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knows the place will smell of pumpkin spice. Whoever thought

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of putting pumpkin spice in fucking everything ought to be

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bound and flogged. Needless to say, Amber was no fan

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and would be happy when November first rolled around. It

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meant half priced candy and folks would start easing up

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just a bit on all this pumpkin spice shit. Fuck Halloween,

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fuck pumpkin spice. It was almost her turn in line

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when a small hand tugged on her finger. Trick or treat.

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The little boy said, ugh, get away, Amber said, and

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stepped forward to place her order, she felt a finger

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poke her on the butt and spun around Trick or treat.

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The little boy repeated, look, you little turd, where is

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your mother? Amber asked angrily, what's your problem? Frankie asked Susie.

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The cashier stepped aside for her boss. Oh, nothing much.

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I'm so sick of all this Halloween shit, the pumpkin

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spice bullshit. This coffee shop used to be great because

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it wasn't a fucking Starbucks or Duncan. But I'll be

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damned if you fuckers didn't go ahead and sell out.

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I hate all this pumpkin spice bullshit and snot nos

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brats trying to touch my ass. That is my fucking problem.

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Amber's face was beat red and she just couldn't stop

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the spew of venom. Once it started. The little boy

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with blue eyes and sandy blonde hair started to cry,

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you're a meanie. The pumpkin man is gonna get you.

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The kid cried out, pumpkin man, give me a fucking break.

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Amber said, get out of my store and don't come back.

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Since you hate us so much, go to Starbucks or Duncan.

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But you're not welcome here anymore. Frankie shouted, fine, Amber

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said and turned to leave. There was a tap on

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her shoulder. It was the boy's father. Miss the way

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you talked to my son was crass and unacceptable. You

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owe him an apology. The tall man with a dark

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complexion said he wasn't angry, but he was serious. Uh yeah,

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that ain't gonna fucking happen. You're lucky I don't call

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the police. The little perv tried to grab my ass.

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Amber said she was over it and ready to go. Okay,

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so you're going to forego the apology, asked the man. Duh.

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Amber answered and began walking toward the door. The man

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tapped on her shoulder once more. She turned to let

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him have it for the final time. He held out

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his palm and quickly blew orange dust into her face.

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Amber coughed and gagged. She breathed it in and swallowed

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a good bit of it. Her eyes burned, and she

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was fiercely rubbing them. What felt like agonizing minutes was

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only a few seconds when she felt the cool water

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wash over her face. Frankie was pouring a bottle of

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cold dasani over her eyes. It was helping. Did someone

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call the cops, Amber asked. Nobody said a word. Where

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where'd they go? Amber looked around. The little boy and

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tall man were gone. She thought about calling the police,

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but what was the point. She'd go to work and

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tomorrow this Halloween horseshit would be over until next year.

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Ten minutes later, Amber was tapping away on her front

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teeth with her index finger as she was trying to

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decide what she wanted from the vending machine. She rolled

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her eyes when she noticed what was in B seven

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pumpkin pie pop tarts. This season couldn't come to an

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end fast enough. She chose some generic peanut butter crackers

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and had just enough change in her pocket for a

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doctor pepper to wash it all down. She needed something

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in her stomach to deal with all the Halloween freaks

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in the office today. Shelley was a witch, John was

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a half asked Frankenstein monster, Chuck was a bargain basement mummy,

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and Tina, well, she didn't know what the fuck Tina

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was supposed to be. She had drawn on whiskers, so

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maybe some kind of a dying cat or something. Just

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another Halloween at Whitman's Insurance Agency. Chuck and Tina Whitman

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owned the place, and they were very firm believers in

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all Hallow's Eve. Another year without dressing up? Hih amber,

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Chuck asked, as he held his arms out like a

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lumbering mummy from movies long long ago. Yeah, well, you know,

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I really couldn't find anything to wear, mister Whitman, Amber said,

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Looking at him made her want to puke. At least

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you're consistent. You sure you didn't try a little makeup

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this morning, Chuck asked as he pointed at her neck.

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You've got a little something there. You get one of

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those mpkin spice donuts from Frankie's. No, mister Whitman, let

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me go wipe this mess off, Amber said, and excused

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herself from her desk. Thankfully there was no one else

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in the restroom. Amber looked in the mirror and she

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could see the little orange smudge that mummy Chuck pointed out.

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She soaked a paper towel sheet with warm water and

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dabbed at the small spot on her neck. She dried

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it and took another look. The smudge was still there,

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so she added a little soap from the dispenser and

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scrubbed a little harder. She dried it again, and the

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smudge hadn't gone anywhere. Fuck. Amber whispered and tossed the

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paper towels into the garbage. She'd have to wash the

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spot away in the shower that night. It was par

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for the course. She'd have to work all day with

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that pumpkin orange blotch on her neck. Naturally it would

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be pumpkin orange. She took one last look in the

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mirror and blew a strand of hair out from in

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front of her face. Amber then went back to her desk.

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This morning was busy and lunch was fast approaching. Amber

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was hungry. The crackers and doctor Pepper weren't quite the

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breakfast she expected. She fielded quite a few calls and

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set several appointments for the agents. Some customers came in

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with their young kids, all dressed up. The little fuckers

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had their trick or treat bags and the whitman's were

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more than happy to fill them. To Amber, kids didn't

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belong in a place of business, even if it was Halloween.

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She rose from her desk and stretched her arms. Amber

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was going to take a walk down the block and

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grab a sandwich from Underground Joe's. That's when one of

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the kids in the office shouted, Oh wow, Mom, look

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at her. He shouted and pointed at Amber. I don't

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think she's finished her costume yet. Stop pointing. It's not polite,

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the portly woman said and waved at Amber before pulling

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her son away by the arm. What the fuck was

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that about, Amber whispered to herself. Then Chuck walked by

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and stopped cold. Amber, have you been getting into the

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Halloween spirit? Looks good so far, Chuck said, and made

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a circle with his finger as he pointed at her neck.

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Amber's brow furrowed. She noticed the others in the office

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now looking at her. Tina, the afflicted cat, put her

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hand over her mouth. That was enough for Amber to

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high tail it back to the restroom. Amber locked the

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door behind her and moved quickly to the mirror. She

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put her hand over her mouth to stifle a scream. Fuck, fuck, fuck,

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Amber repeated. It was the only word her brain would register.

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The orange smudge had spread, and there was more. The

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bottom half of her neck was pumpkin orange, covered with

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what appeared to be black spider veins. There was no

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washing this shit away. Amber took a deep breath and

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exited the bathroom. She moved quickly to the coat rack

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and lifted Tina's long black scarf. She wrapped it around

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her neck and shouted, uh, I'm not feeling well, mister Whitman.

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Going home to lie down. She waved a hand in

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the air and almost knocked Freddy Caldwell over as she

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rushed from the building. Fifteen minutes later, Amber was safely

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in the confines of her one bedroom apartment when she

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immediately removed her clothes and stepped into the shower. She

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saturated the loofa with soapy water and went to work

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on her neck. There was no rush of orange and

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black makeup running down her chest. She scrubbed harder, but

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nothing was happening. It was as if someone tattooed this

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shit on her erh What the fuck? Amber screamed. The

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shower was as hot as she could stand it and

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nothing was happening. She pulled the shower curtain and grabbed

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a towel from a clean stack on the shelf. Amber

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wrapped her body and opened the bathroom door to let

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the steam escape. Then she used a dry washcloth to

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wipe the fogging mirror. Amber almost fainted at what she saw,

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not only did the orange and black mess not go away,

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but it spread even more. Now all of her neck

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was completely covered to the base of her chin. Amber's

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heart was racing, her hands trembled as she attempted to

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remove her nose ring, and quickly gave up on the

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notion when the scent crept into her nostrils. It was

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the unmistakable combination of nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. The

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fucking smell of pumpkin spice. Something else was strange. Amber

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noticed the color of her eyes were darker. They were

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a sky blue before, but now they were almost like

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dark pools of water. This was fucked up on so

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many levels. Then it hit her. The man, the man

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at Frankie's did the shit. He poisoned me, Amber said

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out loud, before thinking, what the fuck did that kid say?

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The pumpkin Man will get you. Amber got dressed as

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she opened the Uber app on her phone. She was

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going to the emergency room. Thirty four minutes later. It

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was mid afternoon and Augusta University Hospital's er was crazier

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than usual. As soon as the uber driver dropped her off,

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Amber knew this was going to be a wasted trip.

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The er waiting room was almost to capacity. A lot

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of them were snotty nosed little shits, sniffling and coughing

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all over the place. There are prompt cares and pediatricians

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for this bullshit, is what Amber thought as she stepped

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to the front desk. The pretty young nurse smiled as

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Amber approached. Wow, that's some great makeup. You go into

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a Halloween party. No, Amber replied, She wanted to look

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in a mirror trick or treating with some kids. Then, no,

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how long is the weight? Amber asked, Well, the lobby's full.

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You can fill out this paperwork if you want to wait.

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The young nurse held a clipboard with a small stack

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of paper attached. You're looking at a two to three

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hour weight. We got a lot of sick kids today, fuck,

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Amber replied, and waved off the clipboard. Amber walked away.

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The nurse smiled and greeted the next person in line.

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Seventeen minutes later, Amber shuffled back into her apartment and

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went into her bedroom. She turned on the light and

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stood in front of the full length mirror attached to

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the door. Half of her face was now covered in

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pumpkin orange and black to just under her nose. Amber

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stared in horror as the image was starting to present itself.

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Oh my god, she screamed. The jagged black lines around

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her mouth formed the unmistakable grin of a jack o' lantern.

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The smell was back, too, and it was driving her bananas.

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It was as if her nose were made of pumpkin spice.

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It was sickening and caused her to convulse. She scurried

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to the bathroom and dry heaved. After a couple of minutes,

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she calmed down and caught her breath. The smell was

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still there, but the compulsion to puke her guts out

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was gone. For the moment. Amber laid in her bed

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and sobbed. She cried herself to sleep. Four hours later,

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Amber awoke with a pounding headache. The room was dark

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except for the television. One of the Halloween movies was playing,

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and she really didn't give two shits which won as

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far as she was concerned. If you I've seen one,

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You've seen them all. She placed her hands on her

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temples and was all but convinced that she just woke

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up from one of the most vividly terrible nightmares she's

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ever had. But the smell was still there, and she

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didn't think it possible. It was even more prominent. This

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stoked the fear in her, like a blow poker to

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a dying fire. Amber turned on the light and fell

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to her knees in front of the mirror. Dear God,

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she screamed. Her face had completely transformed into that of

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a jack o lantern. It wasn't makeup or parlor tricks.

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It was one hundred percent her face. Her eyes were

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oval shaped and so dark the iris blended with her pupils.

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The same type of black jagged lines around her mouth

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now surrounded her eyes and nose. Everything else was pumpkin orange,

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with streaks that looked like ominous roads on a map.

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Her shoulder length hair was black with orange highlights. What

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did he do to me? Amber was panicking. She should

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go back to the hospital, but how could they fix this.

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She could go back to Frankie's. Maybe the tall man

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came back with his kid. She could give the apology

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he asked for, and maybe he could fix it. That

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was her best shot. She didn't want to go out

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looking like this, but it was Halloween, so she shouldn't

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turn too many heads. Amber retrieved her phone and headed out.

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Frankie's was, after all, within walking distance. Nine minutes later,

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there were oohs and ohs when Amber stepped into Frankie's.

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A line of kids were waiting their turn at the

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candy table. Susie Reynolds was dressed as a witch. It

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was one of those Dollar General costumes, but Susie filled

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it out rather nicely. Amber pushed to the front of

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the candyline. Susie didn't recognize her at all until she spoke, Susie,

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you've seen that kid from this morning. Amber asked Amber

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that you Wow, your makeup is amazing. Susie was thoroughly impressed.

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Shut at, Susie, the kid from this morning? Have you

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seen him, Amber asked in desperation. No, Susie replied, and,

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because of Amber's bitchiness, added, didn't Frankie tell you not

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to come back? Come on, Susie, I need to find

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the kid and his dad. Let me sit in the

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back for a little while in case they come in. Please, Susie. Okay,

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but if Frankie shows up, I'm not covering for you.

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Susie replied as she grabbed a fistful of candy For

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the next kid, Thank you, thank you, Amber said, before

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taking a seat in a booth facing the entrance. She

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was tapping her fingers nervously on the table. She kept

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her eyes on the front door, hoping against hope for

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the kid and his dad to return. Amber glanced at

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her phone to check the time, and an immediate lump

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formed in her throat. Her wrists were pumpkin orange. Amber

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was wearing gray sweats, so most of her body was

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covered up. She quickly glanced around, held her breath, and

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took a quick peek down her shirt. Amber was on

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the verge of breaking down. Her entire torso was pumped

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an orange. No, no, no. Amber was trembling uncontrollably. The kids,

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along with their parents in the candy line, started to

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notice her. Then a line of her very own started.

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Oh wow, you're a pumpkin. Look, mama, she's a pumpkin.

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The little redheaded girl dressed like raggedy ann shouted. Where's

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the rest of your costume? She asked as she looked

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over the gray sweats. Amber gave the little girl a

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nervous smile and squirmed in her seat. Come on, come on, please,

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Amber mumbled, you looks so cool. You want some of

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my candy, a little boy asked. Amber smiled and shook

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her head. No. There was now a full fledged crowd

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of kids in front of her. Half of the kids

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were in the candy line and the other half were

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in the line to see the pumpkin lady. Please come, please,

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Amber whispered. The kids gawked, and most of the parents

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were impressed with the detail of the makeup. Almost an

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hour passed and Amber was just about to leave and

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head back to the er when she heard a familiar

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voice trick or treat. He was wearing a pumpkin mask,

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but she immediately recognized the voice. It was the little

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boy with the blue eyes and sandy blonde hair. Hey,

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you want some candy? Amber grabbed a handful some of

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the other kids left for her on the table. Here

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you go. He held a plastic pumpkin in front of him,

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and she dropped the candy inside. Look, I want you

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to know that I'm so sorry I yelled at you today.

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It was wrong of me and I shouldn't have treated

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you like that. Please tell your dad that I'm sorry,

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Amber said. Tears filled her blod black eyes. She could

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tell the little boy was smiling behind his mask. It's okay,

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thank you for the candy, he replied, and opened his

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arms for a hug. Amber scooched out of the booth

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and knelt down. The little boy hugged her around the

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neck and whispered in her ear. My daddy is the

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pumpkin Man. When Amber stood, the tall man was there.

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He was behind his son holding a cup. Thank you

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for apologizing to my son. Halloween is his favorite time

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of year, and he gets very excited here, the tall

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man said, as he handed Amber a Frankie's cup. Take

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this as an acceptance of your apology. Make sure you

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drink the entire cup. You'll feel like a new woman

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in the morning. Come on, son, let's go. The two

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of them walked out to Frankie's. Amber looked at the cup.

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It looked like a regular old cup of pumpkin spice latte.

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She took a sip and nothing ever tasted better on

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her tongue. It was hot, but not too hot. Amber

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drank every single drop. Nothing was left in the cup.

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She hugged a few more kids before she left Frankie's.

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She liked the feeling. One year later, the line at

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Frankie's Donuts was almost to the door. By her count,

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she was in spot ten and so far every single

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person had ordered a pumpkin spice latte or pumpkin spice

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donuts or both. Amber waited patiently for her turn to order.

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Susie smiled as Amber approached. Nice costume, Amber, quite as

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good as last Halloween, but not bad girley, Susie said.

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Amber was wearing a tight fitting sexy witch costume straight

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from the Dollar General. Thank you, Susie. I'll be by

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tonight to see what you're wearing. I'd like a pumpkin

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spice latte and two dozen pumpkin spice donuts for the office.

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Okie doke, Susie replied. A smiling Frankie approached the counter.

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What a difference a year makes, huh Amber. Amber nodded

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and replied, yes, sir, I friggin love Halloween.

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Retro Halloween Weekend by Rob Fields. Strickfield is always a

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major hotspot for the two major holidays the year. When

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the Christmas season comes around, each and every house is

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decorated to the max. There are many events that go

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from the day after Thanksgiving until the end of Christmas.

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The Christmas season is the second biggest event of the two.

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The biggest event is Halloween. Much like the Christmas season,

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each and every house is decorated to the max. There

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are many more events that take place for Halloween than

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during the Christmas season. What sorts of events happen during

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the entire month of October and Strickfield, you may ask.

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Many parties take place at the local businesses. Denoyer's Grill,

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the popular restaurant in Strickfield, usually picks up more customers

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seemingly every day. There are plenty of haunted attractions around

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the area, though you may want to avoid the backwoods areas.

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If you head out to these attractions, all of the

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bars are open for parties, which brings many of the

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students in from Strickfield University. Strickfield also has the two

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biggest events that are greatly talked about for the Halloween season.

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The first one is their Tricker Treat Nights, which take

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place on both October thirtieth and on the thirty first.

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The tradition here is that anyone can go door to

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door and collect candy without any judgment. It doesn't matter

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how old you are or where you come from. In fact,

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people come from miles away just to experience this event,

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and there seem to be more and more tricker treaters

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here each and every year, which was why the event

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was extended to two days. There's even going to be

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an issue on the November ballot to extend the event

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to a full week. The second of the two biggest

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events for Halloween takes place at the Strickfield Drive Theater

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on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of each weekend in October.

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There are triple features. Monday through Thursday features a horror

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double feature each night. The Drive In sells out even

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on Sundays and weeknights, which are school nights. However, on

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Halloween weekend, the Drive In hosts special marathons in which

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four films are screened. But on Halloween Night itself, the

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Drive In hosts an extra special marathon in which they

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screen four secret movies which aren't revealed until they hit

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the screen. Only the manager knows what the titles are.

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The event sells out just the same. This year, Halloween

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Night will be on a Sunday as part of retro

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Halloween Weekend. It's Saturday now Halloween Eve that I'm seeing

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Charity Mirren on TV at the Drive in gear a

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speech as it turns out the Strickfield Drive In Theaters

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in need of some major renovations. Really, you just know

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the theater makes damn good money, the owners can't raise

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the funds to renovate the fucking place. Charity and her

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girlfriend Micah Collins were at the drive in for a

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summer triple feature event and had heard about the theatre's peril.

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Not only did Charity and Micah raise the money for

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the renovations, but whatever was left over went to a

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charity of the owner's choice, which was the Strickfield General

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Hospital Children's Ward. Charity is standing at the podium with

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Micah next to her and talking about how she and

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Micah heard that the drive in was in trouble and

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might not reopen for next year's season. She talks about

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how the former drive in location on the other end

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of the village went to hell. The old Strickfield Drive

401
00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:54.680
In Theater location is on the very same road here

402
00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:59.960
as this current location. Charity explains the old theater closed

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00:30:00.119 --> 00:30:03.519
down in nineteen eighty seven after hosting the final retro

404
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Halloween weekend event there. But now, as we get to

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the end of the Halloween season, the Strickfield Drive in

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Theater will finish this final weekend with the traditional four

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four Secret movies, and that's both nights this year. Charity

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laughs a little, though after tonight they won't be a

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secret so much. Then, Charity really smiles. Micah, and I

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would like to thank all of you who donated. Because

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of your donations, this Drive in Theater will continue to

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operate for seasons to come, which means there will be many,

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many more special nights, just like the Halloween season and

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Retro Halloween Weekend. Her statement was followed by lots and

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lots of applause. Charity lets Micah speak. Also, many of

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you requested to have actual vendors here for retro Halloween Weekend.

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Well consider that wish granted. There'll be plenty of vendors

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00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:07.319
here to sell whatever your horrific little heart's desire, including

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00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:10.759
even more scary movies. This is going to be a

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retro Halloween weekend. None of us will ever forget, we promise,

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so we'll likely see many of you here this weekend.

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And remember, the four Secret Movies will be playing on

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this screen here both tonight and tomorrow night. Very few

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00:31:26.480 --> 00:31:30.400
tickets are still available, so don't wait, happy retro Halloween

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weekend and happy Halloween. More fucking loud applause. Yeah, everybody's

426
00:31:38.640 --> 00:31:43.799
all happy and excited, ain't they? Fuck you? Charity. I'm

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00:31:43.880 --> 00:31:47.079
lying on my bed and shaking with seething hatred for

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00:31:47.200 --> 00:31:50.359
my older sister by a little over a year. I've

429
00:31:50.400 --> 00:31:53.279
had to watch you on TV ever since I heard

430
00:31:53.319 --> 00:31:56.640
that you and Micah were doing all those charity drives together.

431
00:31:57.039 --> 00:32:00.599
You two raised funds for the expansions to Strickfield Element School.

432
00:32:00.759 --> 00:32:02.759
You even raised funds to get the strict Field Fire

433
00:32:02.799 --> 00:32:07.279
Department new fire engines. I heave and heave with hatred,

434
00:32:07.880 --> 00:32:10.680
and now realize I've tightened my fists so much that

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00:32:10.720 --> 00:32:15.039
I feel myself bleeding from where my long fingernails have

436
00:32:15.200 --> 00:32:20.759
dug into my palm. Still shaking with hatred, I stand

437
00:32:20.839 --> 00:32:24.519
up and scream at the top of my lungs. I'm

438
00:32:24.559 --> 00:32:29.839
heaving again. My hatred for you will never stop, Charity.

439
00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:32.839
I march right out of the house and head down

440
00:32:32.880 --> 00:32:36.160
the road to my friend Sienna Michael's house. When I

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00:32:36.200 --> 00:32:38.680
get there, I open the front door and walk right in.

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00:32:39.440 --> 00:32:42.880
Siena's parents just look at me as I disappear upstairs

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00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:46.319
and open the door to Sienna's room. Sienna's lying on

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00:32:46.359 --> 00:32:50.440
her bed with her headphones on, listening to heavy metal records.

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00:32:51.400 --> 00:32:55.079
When Sienna sees me, she pulls her headphones off. Destiny,

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00:32:55.519 --> 00:32:58.920
Hey babe, what's up. I sit down next to her.

447
00:32:59.599 --> 00:33:02.640
Why does she do it, Sienna? Why does charity have

448
00:33:02.720 --> 00:33:06.640
to make our family look so bad? Sienna listens to

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00:33:06.680 --> 00:33:09.000
me bitch about everything that happened at the drive in

450
00:33:09.440 --> 00:33:12.480
along with all the other charities. My sister scored funds

451
00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:16.599
for Mom and Dad disowned charity, and it's like this this.

452
00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:23.279
I glare at Sienna. She's so goddamn happy, go lucky.

453
00:33:23.400 --> 00:33:27.079
She even has a girlfriend, a girlfriend. I raise my finger.

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00:33:27.480 --> 00:33:31.319
And every time charity raises money for something, Mom and

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00:33:31.400 --> 00:33:34.920
Dad hear about it. Know what they do? I stand

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00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:38.599
up and scream they take it out on me. I

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00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:42.119
sit down again. Sienna sees a tear run down my

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cheek and tries pulling me to her to hug me.

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But I push her away and quickly wipe away the tear.

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I won't show weakness. When Mom heard on the radio

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00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:56.319
that charity had saved the drive in theater, she turned

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and slapped me hard across the face and told me

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00:33:59.319 --> 00:34:02.240
to get out of her. I tighten my fists again.

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00:34:03.640 --> 00:34:09.159
I hate you, Charity, I really really hate you. Just

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00:34:09.280 --> 00:34:13.280
then Sienna's door opens, her parents come into the room.

466
00:34:14.079 --> 00:34:17.519
What is going on up here? Her dad points right

467
00:34:17.559 --> 00:34:20.880
at me. You just barge into our house. Then you

468
00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:24.960
come up here and start screaming at Sienna Dad. She didn't,

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00:34:25.079 --> 00:34:28.480
Sienna tries to say. I stand up quickly and scream

470
00:34:28.480 --> 00:34:33.000
at her father fuck off. Before he can respond, I

471
00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:36.360
shove right past Sienna's parents and move downstairs. They hear

472
00:34:36.400 --> 00:34:40.119
the door slam shut behind me. It's not long before

473
00:34:40.119 --> 00:34:44.320
Sienna comes after me, likely against her parents' wishes. Destiny.

474
00:34:44.480 --> 00:34:48.559
Come on, don't be like this. Mom and dad said

475
00:34:48.599 --> 00:34:51.719
you're not welcome at our house anymore. Fuck your parents,

476
00:34:52.239 --> 00:34:54.880
I yell. I'm ready to say the same thing to Sienna,

477
00:34:55.079 --> 00:34:59.480
but I quickly stop myself. Sienna's my only friend in

478
00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:04.840
this world. I just look ahead and fuck you, Charity.

479
00:35:06.000 --> 00:35:08.400
We sit down on a bench outside of Gunter Square

480
00:35:08.840 --> 00:35:12.519
and talk about things. Sienna really tries to calm me down,

481
00:35:12.599 --> 00:35:16.039
but I'm so full of hate. I can still feel

482
00:35:16.039 --> 00:35:18.480
Mom slapping me across the face so hard that I

483
00:35:18.559 --> 00:35:21.239
fall and hit the floor. Just as hard. I keep

484
00:35:21.280 --> 00:35:26.239
feeling her hands slapping my face again and again, all

485
00:35:26.239 --> 00:35:32.000
because of you, Charity. Suddenly I stand up. I've got it, Sienna.

486
00:35:32.679 --> 00:35:35.239
I know exactly how to get my revenge on Charity.

487
00:35:37.480 --> 00:35:41.760
What are you talking about, Sienna stammers? I turn to

488
00:35:41.840 --> 00:35:47.920
her retro Halloween weekend. Tomorrow night is Halloween. It doesn't

489
00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:50.199
matter what day of the week Halloween falls on. It

490
00:35:50.199 --> 00:35:52.320
doesn't matter where it is or what the event is.

491
00:35:53.039 --> 00:35:56.960
Halloween is, without a doubt, the biggest money maker in

492
00:35:57.119 --> 00:36:03.079
all of Strickfield. I sigh, a sinister sigh. That means

493
00:36:03.639 --> 00:36:06.440
the Drive In will have its biggest money maker tomorrow.

494
00:36:07.400 --> 00:36:09.400
The banks won't be open for them to take their

495
00:36:09.440 --> 00:36:12.719
cash to and deposit it. And there are no night

496
00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:16.159
deposits at any of the banks around here. I should know,

497
00:36:16.440 --> 00:36:20.320
because our family owns all the banks. I sit back down.

498
00:36:21.480 --> 00:36:24.440
That means the Drive In keeps the money locked on

499
00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:28.440
the premises. Then I shriek with the light. The charity

500
00:36:28.440 --> 00:36:33.920
money will also be there. Sienna looks at me uneasily. Um,

501
00:36:35.119 --> 00:36:39.239
you're not thinking of oh, but I am, Sienna. I

502
00:36:39.280 --> 00:36:44.639
assure her I have a plan. Sienna still looks uneasy.

503
00:36:45.880 --> 00:36:51.840
That's stealing destiny. I laugh, Why, yes, yes it is.

504
00:36:52.639 --> 00:36:56.480
Sienna keeps giving me that uneasy look and pissing me off.

505
00:36:57.360 --> 00:37:00.679
Fuck off, I'm doing this. Sienna lowers her head and

506
00:37:00.719 --> 00:37:04.000
seems ready to cry. I hate it when you yell

507
00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:08.280
at me. Now I feel awful again. Sienna is my

508
00:37:08.440 --> 00:37:14.159
only friend. I hug her. I'm sorry, I say, sincerely,

509
00:37:15.159 --> 00:37:18.639
I won't involve you in my plan. But Sienna suddenly

510
00:37:18.679 --> 00:37:23.400
hugs me back tightly. Stop. You can't do this by yourself.

511
00:37:23.880 --> 00:37:27.519
You need me. When we come apart, I wait for

512
00:37:27.599 --> 00:37:30.960
her explanation. I love you and I won't let you

513
00:37:31.079 --> 00:37:34.480
do this by yourself. I know I can't talk you

514
00:37:34.519 --> 00:37:39.280
out of it, so I'm going to help you. I

515
00:37:39.360 --> 00:37:44.400
consider her now. Then I sigh. I'm such a bitch

516
00:37:44.440 --> 00:37:47.880
to you, and you still want to help me because

517
00:37:47.920 --> 00:37:51.119
I love you, dummy, You're my best friend. I only

518
00:37:51.159 --> 00:37:56.840
have one. I sigh again and whisper. I love you too,

519
00:37:57.039 --> 00:38:02.199
and I'm sorry for how I tr We hug again.

520
00:38:03.239 --> 00:38:10.119
What's the plan, Sienna asks, I compose myself. Okay, we'll

521
00:38:10.159 --> 00:38:12.760
meet at the drive in tomorrow night and do the marathon.

522
00:38:13.320 --> 00:38:16.639
Plenty of time to scope everything out. We'll wait until

523
00:38:16.679 --> 00:38:20.599
the final movie plays before we grab the cash. I've

524
00:38:20.679 --> 00:38:23.840
never been to the drive in. Where is it? Sienna

525
00:38:23.920 --> 00:38:28.039
asks me. Neither. I take out my smartphone and look

526
00:38:28.079 --> 00:38:32.760
it up. Thirteen thirteen Harlow Road. Here's a pick. He

527
00:38:32.800 --> 00:38:34.920
can't miss it. It looks like it's ready to fall

528
00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:37.800
apart from the outside. I look at the pick again

529
00:38:37.840 --> 00:38:41.760
and realize something else. Hey, it's actually not far from

530
00:38:41.840 --> 00:38:44.920
Denoyer's grill. Howbout we meet there and get shakes before

531
00:38:44.920 --> 00:38:49.960
we hit the drive in. Great idea, Sienna agrees enthusiastically.

532
00:38:50.360 --> 00:38:57.679
I smile for her. Okay, Babe, see you tomorrow at Denoyer's.

533
00:38:58.480 --> 00:39:02.400
It's Halloween night. After we have shakes at Denoyer's grill,

534
00:39:02.480 --> 00:39:05.800
we leave the still packed vintage diner and make our

535
00:39:05.840 --> 00:39:08.480
way to the drive in. We pass a lot of

536
00:39:08.480 --> 00:39:12.079
trick or treaters. Like I said, Strickfield is the place

537
00:39:12.159 --> 00:39:15.800
to trick or treat period. It's not long before we

538
00:39:15.840 --> 00:39:18.480
see the drive in. The old sign out front is

539
00:39:18.519 --> 00:39:21.159
brightly and dully lit at the same time and reads

540
00:39:21.639 --> 00:39:26.960
welcome to retro Halloween weekend in red letters. Suddenly, two

541
00:39:27.079 --> 00:39:30.599
cars appear from out of nowhere and speed right past us,

542
00:39:30.840 --> 00:39:34.159
just weaving all over the fucking road. Sienna and I

543
00:39:34.239 --> 00:39:37.880
quickly find ourselves on our asses. I quickly get up.

544
00:39:38.119 --> 00:39:40.079
As I help Sienna to her feet, I yell at

545
00:39:40.119 --> 00:39:46.400
the cars, Hey, jerks, speed kills. I'm okay, Sienna assures

546
00:39:46.440 --> 00:39:50.159
me when she's on her feet again, assholes, I mutter,

547
00:39:50.679 --> 00:39:53.199
come on, let's get inside the drive in. We can

548
00:39:53.320 --> 00:39:55.800
just go around and jump the fence. This way, we

549
00:39:55.840 --> 00:39:58.639
won't have to pay shit to get in. As we

550
00:39:58.719 --> 00:40:02.880
walk to the fence, have an evil thought. You know,

551
00:40:04.039 --> 00:40:07.360
once we rob this place, Charity's going to hear all

552
00:40:07.400 --> 00:40:11.880
about it. It'll be a big fuck you tour. Sienna

553
00:40:11.960 --> 00:40:17.639
glances at me. Can we go over the plan again? Sure?

554
00:40:18.360 --> 00:40:21.599
I explain the plan over again. I'm finished. When we

555
00:40:21.639 --> 00:40:26.119
reach the fence, got it, babe, Yeah, I got it,

556
00:40:26.440 --> 00:40:31.079
Sienna assures me. Sounds good. We climb up and over

557
00:40:31.119 --> 00:40:34.079
the fence and drop to the other side. I quickly

558
00:40:34.119 --> 00:40:38.920
look around. We're good. Nobody saw us. We walk across

559
00:40:38.960 --> 00:40:43.519
the gravel lot, pass one car after another, noticing the speakers.

560
00:40:43.519 --> 00:40:47.000
People are hanging on the windows for inside sound. Don't

561
00:40:47.039 --> 00:40:51.400
they broadcast the sound through the car radios? Here? No wonder,

562
00:40:51.440 --> 00:40:55.719
this fucking place needs renovations. I had no idea retro

563
00:40:55.840 --> 00:41:02.360
Halloween Weekend meant retro cars too, says Yeah, I noticed

564
00:41:02.400 --> 00:41:06.480
that too. I point to the concession stand. Okay, let's

565
00:41:06.519 --> 00:41:08.880
get refreshments and make ourselves look like we're here for

566
00:41:08.920 --> 00:41:14.480
the event. We enter the concession stand. Wow, I'm surprised

567
00:41:14.480 --> 00:41:19.840
by what we're seeing. Everything in here looks vintage too, Sienna. Well,

568
00:41:20.199 --> 00:41:24.360
maybe being retro is the theme here, Sienna offers. I mean,

569
00:41:25.000 --> 00:41:29.400
everything's supposed to be getting renovated, right, I smile wickedly.

570
00:41:30.199 --> 00:41:30.280
Not.

571
00:41:30.440 --> 00:41:35.880
After we're through here tonight, we order food. Fuck, even

572
00:41:35.920 --> 00:41:40.400
the prices are vintage. Everything's so cheap. Not only that,

573
00:41:40.800 --> 00:41:44.079
the food actually looks and smells a lot better and

574
00:41:44.199 --> 00:41:47.400
you actually get more. We head out and sit at

575
00:41:47.400 --> 00:41:50.199
a picnic table and wait for the first feature to start.

576
00:41:50.920 --> 00:41:54.239
I bite into my quarter pound hot dog. These are

577
00:41:55.119 --> 00:41:59.480
the best fucking hot dogs I've ever eaten. The marathon

578
00:41:59.559 --> 00:42:03.559
starts when the PSAs are playing. Some trailers follow, Then

579
00:42:03.599 --> 00:42:06.920
the first movie of the night begins to play, Carnival

580
00:42:07.000 --> 00:42:12.159
of Souls. Something doesn't feel right. I can't put my

581
00:42:12.320 --> 00:42:16.039
finger on it. We watch the movie. It's cloudy outside,

582
00:42:16.039 --> 00:42:19.880
and the wind starts to pick up. Intermission comes, we

583
00:42:19.920 --> 00:42:22.320
buy more food and come back to the picnic table.

584
00:42:22.880 --> 00:42:27.440
The second feature is Night of the Living Dead. Christ

585
00:42:27.960 --> 00:42:30.039
are they going to be playing black and white movies

586
00:42:30.079 --> 00:42:33.760
all fucking night? My question is answered one more time

587
00:42:34.199 --> 00:42:38.760
when they play The Last Man on Earth for round three. Really,

588
00:42:39.320 --> 00:42:43.800
these are the big, super secret mystery movies. We hit

589
00:42:43.840 --> 00:42:47.440
the concession stand again. The last movie plays, which is

590
00:42:47.480 --> 00:42:51.960
called Halloween Destiny. During the other movies, Ciena and I

591
00:42:52.000 --> 00:42:55.199
would get up and look around. We confirm our plan

592
00:42:55.320 --> 00:42:58.239
to get the money and are ready to make our move.

593
00:43:00.320 --> 00:43:05.519
If you thought that was scary, just you wait weekly spooky.

594
00:43:05.679 --> 00:43:06.760
We'll be right back.

595
00:43:09.639 --> 00:43:12.559
As we get up, we look at the movie. This

596
00:43:12.599 --> 00:43:17.000
one's not familiar yet, Sienna and I feel compelled to

597
00:43:17.119 --> 00:43:20.599
watch it. This black and white movie starts out with

598
00:43:20.719 --> 00:43:24.480
a vengeful, mean, rich girl who hates her older sister

599
00:43:24.559 --> 00:43:29.000
for being kind hearted. She meets up with a friend

600
00:43:29.559 --> 00:43:31.920
and gets her to help her with a revenge plot.

601
00:43:33.159 --> 00:43:35.840
The two of them met up at a diner and

602
00:43:35.920 --> 00:43:38.760
eat before they walk to the drive in and climb

603
00:43:38.840 --> 00:43:43.719
the fence to get in. It's not long before the

604
00:43:43.800 --> 00:43:47.159
girls hear the rumble above them and know it's going

605
00:43:47.199 --> 00:43:53.800
to rain soon. Suddenly we hear a low rumble just

606
00:43:53.840 --> 00:43:59.360
above us. What the fuck, Sienna, it's supposed to be

607
00:43:59.440 --> 00:44:05.360
windy to just windy, not raining. In the movie, the

608
00:44:05.400 --> 00:44:09.079
girls take shelter underneath another picnic table that has a

609
00:44:09.159 --> 00:44:12.800
large umbrella over it as it begins to pour down rain.

610
00:44:13.840 --> 00:44:21.119
At the same time, it pours down rain on us. Shit.

611
00:44:21.599 --> 00:44:27.000
Sienna shrieks, Damn, it's so cold. Unlike the film, there

612
00:44:27.039 --> 00:44:30.960
are no picnic tables with umbrellas. In spite of the rain,

613
00:44:31.280 --> 00:44:34.519
the drive in patrons, both in the film and in

614
00:44:34.559 --> 00:44:37.199
the real world, are still in their cars and watching

615
00:44:37.239 --> 00:44:40.599
the movie. I take Sienna's hand and lead her back

616
00:44:40.639 --> 00:44:43.840
to the concession stand. The workers are a guy and

617
00:44:43.920 --> 00:44:47.000
a girl about our age. They both look a little

618
00:44:47.559 --> 00:44:51.320
off somehow. I know it's Halloween night and people usually

619
00:44:51.440 --> 00:44:55.199
dress up, but still Sienna and I both look at

620
00:44:55.239 --> 00:44:59.559
each other as if we're thinking the same thing. Nice

621
00:44:59.639 --> 00:45:04.519
night for the this event. Huh. The girl asks us,

622
00:45:04.559 --> 00:45:09.639
all dark and stormy. She quickly raises her hands in

623
00:45:09.639 --> 00:45:15.239
front of her, making claws. Spooky. Goes great with the movie.

624
00:45:15.559 --> 00:45:19.079
The guy adds, looks like you both got soaked. I

625
00:45:19.159 --> 00:45:23.159
glare at the guy. No shit, sherlock. The guy points

626
00:45:23.199 --> 00:45:27.280
at us, please refrain from using profanity. I raise both

627
00:45:27.320 --> 00:45:32.239
of my middle fingers, eat me. The girl smirks, Sienna

628
00:45:32.440 --> 00:45:39.119
feeling uneasy destiny. That wasn't very nice, The girl says,

629
00:45:39.719 --> 00:45:44.039
now I'm ready for a confrontation. Oh you want to

630
00:45:44.039 --> 00:45:48.199
throw us out? The guy and the girl laugh. Oh no, no, no,

631
00:45:48.760 --> 00:45:52.840
The girl says, we would never do that. On the contrary,

632
00:45:53.480 --> 00:45:55.320
when the guy and the girl both come out from

633
00:45:55.320 --> 00:46:00.400
behind the concession stand, we both shriek. The girl's uniform

634
00:46:00.480 --> 00:46:03.400
top is torn open at the bottom and her stomach

635
00:46:03.480 --> 00:46:07.559
and intestines are hanging out. The guy looks even worse

636
00:46:07.599 --> 00:46:12.239
than her and seems to be broken in many places.

637
00:46:13.000 --> 00:46:18.920
You're both going to be here for a very, very

638
00:46:19.119 --> 00:46:24.920
long time, the guy kroons. We were on our way

639
00:46:25.360 --> 00:46:29.199
to the Halloween formal at Strickfield High School. The girl cries,

640
00:46:29.800 --> 00:46:34.079
we were hit by a drunk driver and we crashed

641
00:46:34.079 --> 00:46:37.679
into that big tree just outside the entrance. Here, she

642
00:46:37.880 --> 00:46:43.760
gestures to both herself and her boyfriend. Drinking and driving kills.

643
00:46:46.480 --> 00:46:51.480
She points to us. You two should know, the guy adds,

644
00:46:52.239 --> 00:46:57.400
and now you're both here with us. Enjoy the show

645
00:46:58.119 --> 00:47:03.440
because it will always go on. The guy and the

646
00:47:03.440 --> 00:47:08.920
girl both laugh long peals of horrible, horrible laughter. We

647
00:47:09.000 --> 00:47:12.000
both scream and run back out into the cold rain.

648
00:47:12.880 --> 00:47:17.079
Oh fuck this shit, We're out of here. Damn right, Destiny.

649
00:47:18.320 --> 00:47:21.000
The lightning flickers enough to light up both the sky

650
00:47:21.880 --> 00:47:26.960
and the entire drive in. When the thunder finally crashes,

651
00:47:30.480 --> 00:47:33.800
it actually sounds just the way it did in the

652
00:47:33.840 --> 00:47:38.239
older horror movies, just the same. We both scream again

653
00:47:38.320 --> 00:47:40.800
when we see the people in the car directly in

654
00:47:40.840 --> 00:47:44.480
front of us. The couple look similar to the zombies

655
00:47:44.519 --> 00:47:47.320
featured on the Return of the Living Dead poster in

656
00:47:47.360 --> 00:47:51.719
the concession stand. The lightning flashes again and shows us

657
00:47:51.719 --> 00:47:55.119
how hard the rain is pouring. We scream again when

658
00:47:55.119 --> 00:47:58.840
we see that the cars are just full of dead people,

659
00:47:59.800 --> 00:48:04.320
and the vintage cars themselves don't look so nice anymore.

660
00:48:04.960 --> 00:48:08.400
You'd think this place was a fucking junkyard. Now we

661
00:48:08.519 --> 00:48:12.159
turn and run and see that Halloween Destiny continues to

662
00:48:12.199 --> 00:48:15.039
play on the screen. Those girls in the movie seem

663
00:48:15.119 --> 00:48:18.480
to be in the same predicament we're in. Sienna slaps

664
00:48:18.519 --> 00:48:21.800
my arm. Let's climb back out over the fence. I

665
00:48:21.880 --> 00:48:24.519
got a better idea. We're right by the front entrance.

666
00:48:25.280 --> 00:48:27.960
We run to where the cars came in. When we

667
00:48:28.039 --> 00:48:30.840
reach the admission booth, a man with half of his

668
00:48:30.920 --> 00:48:34.119
face missing and several broken teeth steps out and points

669
00:48:34.119 --> 00:48:38.639
at us. The rules specifically state that no one leaves

670
00:48:38.840 --> 00:48:44.320
until the final feature has ended. Back you go. We

671
00:48:44.400 --> 00:48:47.400
scream as the wind suddenly picks up and drives us

672
00:48:47.400 --> 00:48:49.840
both back into the main area of the drive in.

673
00:48:50.519 --> 00:48:54.239
We're both completely soaked. We move to try and climb

674
00:48:54.239 --> 00:48:58.920
out over the fence, but now the fence is a

675
00:48:58.960 --> 00:49:02.599
fucking brick wall. It's much too high and too slippery

676
00:49:02.599 --> 00:49:05.440
from the rain to scale. Then there's the fact that

677
00:49:05.480 --> 00:49:09.599
the walls covered with thorny vines and moss. Just then,

678
00:49:10.079 --> 00:49:14.280
a security guard approaches us. When the lightning flashes. The

679
00:49:14.360 --> 00:49:18.960
guard has rotting flesh everywhere, even as uniform looks ragged

680
00:49:19.000 --> 00:49:23.400
and dull. You girls need to stop causing problems and

681
00:49:23.639 --> 00:49:28.440
just watch the movies, he gurgles. We scream again and run.

682
00:49:29.159 --> 00:49:32.119
What are we going to do? Sienna cries, What the

683
00:49:32.159 --> 00:49:35.360
fuck can we do? I shriek, How the fuck is

684
00:49:35.400 --> 00:49:40.159
this shit even happening right there? Grab them? It sounds

685
00:49:40.199 --> 00:49:44.360
like the gurgling security guard again. Suddenly we're grabbed by

686
00:49:44.400 --> 00:49:48.559
two big, hulking creatures and force to our knees. Now,

687
00:49:48.599 --> 00:49:51.360
the guy and the girl running the concession stand approach us.

688
00:49:52.440 --> 00:49:56.599
The manager's here, The guy says he wants to have

689
00:49:56.639 --> 00:50:00.320
a very serious talk with the both of you. I

690
00:50:00.360 --> 00:50:05.639
am already here, a new, disembodied voice says. We both

691
00:50:05.679 --> 00:50:08.320
scream again when we see who's suddenly standing in front

692
00:50:08.320 --> 00:50:12.400
of us. There's no mistaking the figure with the long

693
00:50:12.480 --> 00:50:16.000
shroud and the sickle. I gasp in terror when I

694
00:50:16.039 --> 00:50:20.639
see the skeletal hand holding that sickle. Then the figure

695
00:50:20.719 --> 00:50:27.559
points to the screen. Watch Watch Destiny, Mirren si Anna Michaels.

696
00:50:28.119 --> 00:50:31.639
Watch the events that have brought you to before me.

697
00:50:32.880 --> 00:50:37.960
We're forced to finish watching Halloween Destiny. The girls in

698
00:50:38.000 --> 00:50:40.519
the movie are at the exact point where we are now,

699
00:50:41.119 --> 00:50:45.760
except now we see a flashback that shows that both

700
00:50:45.800 --> 00:50:48.840
girls had been hit by cars with drunken fraternity boys

701
00:50:48.840 --> 00:50:52.960
in them as they were nearing the drive in. Yes,

702
00:50:53.880 --> 00:51:00.000
death tells us you two have perished. You will wait

703
00:51:00.119 --> 00:51:05.639
your final judgment from me now. But before I render judgment,

704
00:51:06.519 --> 00:51:14.199
you shall finish your movie marathon. And we have bonus

705
00:51:14.239 --> 00:51:19.800
features just for the two of you. The Hulks pick

706
00:51:19.880 --> 00:51:22.639
us up and seat us at our picnic table. The

707
00:51:22.760 --> 00:51:27.559
fifth feature, called Destiny's Life plays for us. Here I

708
00:51:27.639 --> 00:51:31.440
see the horrible truth. My parents never even wanted me.

709
00:51:32.079 --> 00:51:36.239
They were happy with just having charity. Then shit happened

710
00:51:36.519 --> 00:51:40.000
and I was born. I had tried doing everything I

711
00:51:40.079 --> 00:51:42.519
could to please my parents, but I was treated like

712
00:51:42.599 --> 00:51:46.079
shit by them time and time again in favor of charity.

713
00:51:47.280 --> 00:51:51.079
Death speaks to me. It would be your early life

714
00:51:51.119 --> 00:51:54.400
that would cause your unbridled hatred for your older sister,

715
00:51:55.199 --> 00:51:59.280
that tainted your soul. This is what ultimately brought you

716
00:51:59.440 --> 00:52:04.599
before me, Destiny Miron. The sixth feature plays, which is

717
00:52:04.679 --> 00:52:09.400
called Destiny's Friend. This showed the time from where Sienna

718
00:52:09.400 --> 00:52:12.800
and I had met. We were just kids. Sienna kept

719
00:52:12.840 --> 00:52:15.239
following me around on the playground at school like a

720
00:52:15.800 --> 00:52:19.320
lost little puppy. No matter how many times I yelled

721
00:52:19.480 --> 00:52:21.880
and screamed at her to just go away, she kept

722
00:52:21.880 --> 00:52:26.119
following me around. Finally I gave in, if we hang

723
00:52:26.159 --> 00:52:30.000
out after school once, you'll leave me alone, I offered.

724
00:52:30.440 --> 00:52:34.440
Sienna nodded eagerly. I met Sienna after school and hung

725
00:52:34.480 --> 00:52:36.800
out with her By the time the day was over,

726
00:52:36.920 --> 00:52:42.400
I decided that I actually liked Sienna. Okay, fine, you

727
00:52:42.440 --> 00:52:46.079
can be my friend. We watch as I could sometimes

728
00:52:46.119 --> 00:52:50.159
be verbally abusive towards Sienna. She even cry a little

729
00:52:50.639 --> 00:52:54.679
when she knew I wasn't watching the movie even shows

730
00:52:54.760 --> 00:52:58.079
the day before when I just walked into Siena's home

731
00:52:58.159 --> 00:53:02.840
uninvited and unannounced. I look at Siena and feel heavy

732
00:53:02.920 --> 00:53:07.840
remorse inside. Now it's too much. I've become very weak

733
00:53:08.599 --> 00:53:13.800
and start to cry. I'm sorry, Sienna, I choke out.

734
00:53:14.360 --> 00:53:16.679
I'm so sorry I made you come along with me

735
00:53:16.760 --> 00:53:21.440
on this. I'm so sorry about everything. Sienna shakes her

736
00:53:21.480 --> 00:53:27.079
head slowly. No, I offered to come with you. You're

737
00:53:27.119 --> 00:53:31.440
my best friend. I only have one. I shake my

738
00:53:31.519 --> 00:53:34.760
head quickly. I did this out of hatred for Charity.

739
00:53:35.320 --> 00:53:37.880
I strive to be everything my parents wanted her to be.

740
00:53:38.559 --> 00:53:44.320
But Charity was kind, very kind, and our parents ultimately

741
00:53:44.320 --> 00:53:47.440
disowned her. I thought I would get all the attention

742
00:53:47.599 --> 00:53:50.519
Charity used to get. Yeah, I got all the attention.

743
00:53:51.280 --> 00:53:55.280
Mom and Dad hated my fucking guts. Mom absolutely refused

744
00:53:55.280 --> 00:53:57.800
to touch me before yesterday. She wouldn't even let me

745
00:53:57.880 --> 00:54:01.119
hugger then she heard about how was doing so much

746
00:54:01.159 --> 00:54:04.880
good raising money for all these charities, and Mom hit me.

747
00:54:05.880 --> 00:54:08.880
I look Death in his vacant space where his face

748
00:54:08.920 --> 00:54:11.800
should have been. I did it. It was all me.

749
00:54:12.400 --> 00:54:14.519
I came here to steal the money. Tonight, punish me,

750
00:54:14.800 --> 00:54:18.760
torture me, make me burn in hell. But please let

751
00:54:18.840 --> 00:54:25.599
Sienna go. She doesn't deserve this. No, Sienna interjects, I

752
00:54:25.719 --> 00:54:30.159
offer myself in exchange for Destiny. Let her go. Why

753
00:54:30.199 --> 00:54:36.679
would you offer yourself for Destiny? Miron, Death inquires, didn't

754
00:54:36.719 --> 00:54:39.639
you hear me? I told Destiny she was my best

755
00:54:39.679 --> 00:54:43.679
friend and that I only have one. Sienna turns to me.

756
00:54:45.159 --> 00:54:47.920
You gave me a chance. You let me be your

757
00:54:47.920 --> 00:54:52.800
best friend. You had to have one. I wanted to

758
00:54:52.800 --> 00:54:58.440
be it. Death raises his hand. Enough, I have made

759
00:54:58.599 --> 00:55:03.639
my decision. We're both scared now, as Death looks from

760
00:55:03.719 --> 00:55:09.440
her to me. As it turns out, I have two

761
00:55:09.480 --> 00:55:14.440
openings I need to fill. He points to Sienna. I

762
00:55:14.559 --> 00:55:19.199
charge that you, Sienna Michaels, shall be the new manager

763
00:55:19.800 --> 00:55:23.559
of this drive in theater. By day, you shall live

764
00:55:23.599 --> 00:55:28.079
in the mortal world. By night you shall work here

765
00:55:28.280 --> 00:55:32.599
in the after life and run my theater for me,

766
00:55:34.360 --> 00:55:40.239
Sienna gulps, but I can't run this theater. I don't

767
00:55:40.280 --> 00:55:44.320
know how I shall teach you all that you need

768
00:55:44.360 --> 00:55:48.159
to know. I offer you this position because I know

769
00:55:48.360 --> 00:55:52.480
you will be fair and just towards those who enter

770
00:55:52.559 --> 00:55:57.639
the after life. Death looks at me. Now, I shall

771
00:55:57.679 --> 00:56:02.840
not claim your soul, Destiny, mirn It is the events

772
00:56:02.840 --> 00:56:05.800
of your life that have poisoned your soul and have

773
00:56:05.840 --> 00:56:09.239
caused you to make poor decisions that have brought you

774
00:56:09.679 --> 00:56:14.199
to me. It is both your admission of guilt and

775
00:56:14.360 --> 00:56:18.480
the selflessness of your friend that have convinced me to

776
00:56:18.519 --> 00:56:24.679
give you my other job opening. I'm still crying. Just

777
00:56:25.519 --> 00:56:27.920
let Sienna go and I'll do whatever you want. I

778
00:56:27.960 --> 00:56:32.559
won't even try to run away. It's okay, Destiny, Sienna replies,

779
00:56:33.199 --> 00:56:39.599
I'm staying with you. My decision is final, Destiny Miron.

780
00:56:40.639 --> 00:56:45.400
Death tells me I have my new theater manager, but

781
00:56:45.639 --> 00:56:52.360
your new job shall carry even more responsibilities than hers.

782
00:56:53.360 --> 00:56:57.440
And before I know it, Death places his sickle into

783
00:56:57.480 --> 00:57:01.480
my hands. What what do you want me to do

784
00:57:01.519 --> 00:57:06.639
with this? Suddenly my skin and long blonde hair turn

785
00:57:07.199 --> 00:57:11.239
ghastly white. I feel my eyes, lips, and nails also changing,

786
00:57:11.760 --> 00:57:20.679
turning black. I also feel powerful, stronger, immortal. You shall

787
00:57:20.719 --> 00:57:26.360
be my replacement. Death explains, I have carried souls from

788
00:57:26.400 --> 00:57:29.480
the mortal realm to the after life since the dawn

789
00:57:29.519 --> 00:57:34.599
of time. Now it is time for me to move on,

790
00:57:35.880 --> 00:57:39.440
though I shall look in on you from time to time.

791
00:57:40.719 --> 00:57:44.400
From this moment on, you shall carry on with my

792
00:57:44.639 --> 00:57:50.400
name and my former duties. In addition to bringing souls

793
00:57:50.440 --> 00:57:53.320
to the after life, you shall help those who have

794
00:57:53.400 --> 00:57:57.559
tainted souls to change their ways for the better and

795
00:57:57.679 --> 00:58:03.760
perhaps avoid their fate. Then Sienna steps up, Wait, would

796
00:58:03.800 --> 00:58:07.079
you consider granting us the rest of Halloween night? Come on,

797
00:58:07.320 --> 00:58:13.159
we can't possibly run away, not from you. Please. Death

798
00:58:13.239 --> 00:58:20.000
considers Sienna's request very well. I shall release you both

799
00:58:20.079 --> 00:58:23.880
for tonight Tomorrow evening. Both of you shall begin your

800
00:58:23.960 --> 00:58:30.760
duties in the afterlife. Thank you, Sienna says, gratefully for

801
00:58:30.880 --> 00:58:36.159
both of us. Suddenly, we find ourselves back in Strickfield

802
00:58:36.159 --> 00:58:40.920
on Halloween evening, outside the drive in about the time

803
00:58:41.519 --> 00:58:45.800
we first got here. Only this time there's no sign

804
00:58:45.840 --> 00:58:49.960
of life whatsoever inside the theater. Sienna moves the sign

805
00:58:50.039 --> 00:58:54.800
and examines it. Destiny, could you look up the address again?

806
00:58:55.400 --> 00:58:57.920
I take out my smartphone, and show Sienna the pick

807
00:58:57.920 --> 00:59:03.760
from my search earlier. Here Sienna looks at it. Oh

808
00:59:03.800 --> 00:59:10.079
my god. What. Sienna looks at the sign again. This

809
00:59:10.199 --> 00:59:17.360
sign says thirteen thirteen West Harlow Road. So Sienna shows

810
00:59:17.360 --> 00:59:22.079
me my phone. Look closer. The text below this pick

811
00:59:22.159 --> 00:59:25.440
says this location is closed. The drive and we should

812
00:59:25.440 --> 00:59:28.400
have gone to is at thirteen thirteen East Harlow Road

813
00:59:28.719 --> 00:59:31.199
on the other side of the village. I take my

814
00:59:31.280 --> 00:59:35.000
smartphone back and see that. Sienna's right. I just looked

815
00:59:35.000 --> 00:59:37.679
at the picture for this place. I didn't even read

816
00:59:37.719 --> 00:59:42.920
the text below. I'm sad. Now this is all my fault.

817
00:59:44.000 --> 00:59:49.320
I'm so sorry, Sienna. Sienna takes my hand. Why you

818
00:59:49.400 --> 00:59:52.760
didn't drive drunk and kill us both. That's why we're

819
00:59:52.800 --> 00:59:58.880
really in the afterlife now, you know. I consider her. Yeah.

820
00:59:59.119 --> 01:00:03.159
I hug Siena to me. You know what, let's have

821
01:00:03.280 --> 01:00:08.079
some fun. Let's go trick or treating. Sienna hugs me back,

822
01:00:08.800 --> 01:00:12.159
then she backs away and looks me over black and

823
01:00:12.199 --> 01:00:16.079
white holding a sickle. You'll never need a Halloween costume.

824
01:00:17.239 --> 01:00:21.639
I smile at my friend. Thanks. Now, let's go get

825
01:00:21.679 --> 01:00:24.119
some candy to take back to the afterlife with us.

826
01:00:24.840 --> 01:00:39.159
Sienna shrieks with happiness. Let's Go the Halloween Party by

827
01:00:39.320 --> 01:00:44.840
Keith Tomlin. A rock skittered across the cracked pavement of

828
01:00:44.920 --> 01:00:50.039
the road as a black engineer boot playfully kicked at it. Clyde,

829
01:00:50.119 --> 01:00:53.079
a young man dressed in blue jeans, white T shirt

830
01:00:53.159 --> 01:00:57.960
and a leather jacket, stop to survey his surroundings. There

831
01:00:57.960 --> 01:01:03.119
were empty warehouses and factories on all sides, most falling apart,

832
01:01:03.480 --> 01:01:07.960
victims of a failing economy. The blight stretched as far

833
01:01:08.000 --> 01:01:11.079
as he could see, and from what he could tell,

834
01:01:11.679 --> 01:01:15.880
he seemed to be the only person within miles. He

835
01:01:16.000 --> 01:01:18.960
paused next to a rusty rim with a flat tire

836
01:01:19.280 --> 01:01:23.519
and lit an unfiltered cigarette. He took a deep drag,

837
01:01:24.199 --> 01:01:29.159
closing his eyes, enjoying the pleasure of the harsh, burning

838
01:01:29.280 --> 01:01:33.079
smoke in his lungs for a few moments. He then

839
01:01:33.159 --> 01:01:38.280
opened his eyes and once again surveyed the empty expanse

840
01:01:38.360 --> 01:01:43.519
around him. Ok, stop fucking around, where are you? He yelled.

841
01:01:44.440 --> 01:01:47.840
Not hearing a response, he tilted his head back and

842
01:01:48.000 --> 01:01:51.639
drank from a large bottle of whiskey. He stopped long

843
01:01:51.760 --> 01:01:54.840
enough to catch his breath, and then guzzled more of

844
01:01:54.880 --> 01:01:58.239
the bitter liquor. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve

845
01:01:58.280 --> 01:02:02.960
and yelled again, come on, I'm bored. Where are you guys?

846
01:02:03.840 --> 01:02:07.079
I don't want to miss the party? Fine, fuck it,

847
01:02:07.880 --> 01:02:12.320
Clyde yelled, giggling. Downing the last of the liquid, he

848
01:02:12.400 --> 01:02:15.400
turned and threw the bottle over a tall, rusty chain

849
01:02:15.440 --> 01:02:20.199
link fence. He smiled in satisfaction when he heard the

850
01:02:20.239 --> 01:02:24.880
bottle break. Running his hands along his hair, which was

851
01:02:24.960 --> 01:02:28.519
greased back into a duct tail, he started to walk

852
01:02:28.599 --> 01:02:34.119
on down the deserted road. Suddenly, the evening was split

853
01:02:34.480 --> 01:02:40.760
by a soul shattering scream. The sound echoed off of

854
01:02:40.800 --> 01:02:45.039
the empty buildings and seemed to come from everywhere. The

855
01:02:45.119 --> 01:02:49.159
young man stopped, his head whipping back and forth as

856
01:02:49.159 --> 01:02:53.519
he tried to pinpoint the source of the scream. He

857
01:02:53.599 --> 01:02:56.760
finally zoned in on a row of old brick factories.

858
01:02:57.559 --> 01:03:00.880
Flipping the cigarette to the ground, he took off, running

859
01:03:01.800 --> 01:03:10.119
and grinning like a madman. Amber slowly guided her eyeliner

860
01:03:10.199 --> 01:03:14.079
pencil across her cheek. Leaning back, she looked at the

861
01:03:14.119 --> 01:03:20.239
results in the mirror. Prefect, she thought, Pleased with the

862
01:03:20.280 --> 01:03:23.599
cat whiskers she drew, she stood up and looked at

863
01:03:23.599 --> 01:03:27.599
the whole costume in the mirror. The catsuit accentuated her

864
01:03:27.639 --> 01:03:31.440
slim figure and provided a decent amount of cleavage without

865
01:03:31.639 --> 01:03:36.239
showing too much. She spent three weeks designing and creating

866
01:03:36.280 --> 01:03:40.199
the costume and was very proud of the effort. Plus

867
01:03:40.679 --> 01:03:43.079
she could submit it as a final project in the

868
01:03:43.079 --> 01:03:47.159
fashion design class. She was taking loud laughter and crude

869
01:03:47.239 --> 01:03:51.360
jokes from her sorority sisters Madison and Sarah intruded on

870
01:03:51.400 --> 01:03:54.480
the moment. It almost made Amber wish that she'd not

871
01:03:54.639 --> 01:03:57.000
agreed to drive them to the party at a friend's

872
01:03:57.039 --> 01:04:01.360
cabin on Belleville Lake. Both of them had started drinking

873
01:04:01.480 --> 01:04:06.000
hours earlier, and they were pretty wasted by then. Having

874
01:04:06.079 --> 01:04:09.639
lived with an alcoholic father, Amber rarely drank and was

875
01:04:09.679 --> 01:04:14.239
the resident designated driver. Amber sighed and began the process

876
01:04:14.920 --> 01:04:19.480
of hurting the two drunks out the door. Thirty minutes later,

877
01:04:19.599 --> 01:04:23.519
Amber turned onto a dark, deserted country road near the lake.

878
01:04:24.639 --> 01:04:28.119
After a few minutes, red and blue lights appeared behind her.

879
01:04:29.400 --> 01:04:33.639
God damn it, Amber said, turning down the radio. Her

880
01:04:33.679 --> 01:04:36.840
two friends looked at each other and burst into laughter.

881
01:04:37.960 --> 01:04:43.280
Oh no, Amber's getting a ticket, Sarah teased. Maybe the

882
01:04:43.360 --> 01:04:46.159
cop will be cute ask if you can touch his gun,

883
01:04:46.800 --> 01:04:50.840
Madison said, causing Sarah to burst into laughter. Will you

884
01:04:50.880 --> 01:04:56.360
two stop it, Amber said, annoyed, she hated dealing with drunks.

885
01:04:57.079 --> 01:05:00.280
She pulled over and shut the car off, roll her

886
01:05:00.280 --> 01:05:02.639
window down. She tried to get a look at the

887
01:05:02.679 --> 01:05:05.960
car that pulled in behind her, but a bright spotlight

888
01:05:06.039 --> 01:05:09.480
lit up from the car, almost blinding her. Amber had

889
01:05:09.519 --> 01:05:14.000
a bad feeling about this. She ignored the snickering comments

890
01:05:14.000 --> 01:05:16.400
from her friends as she tried to watch behind her

891
01:05:16.400 --> 01:05:20.920
in the side mirror. After a few seconds, she saw

892
01:05:20.920 --> 01:05:23.360
a shadow pass in front of the spotlight as a

893
01:05:23.440 --> 01:05:28.679
large man walked up alongside the car. Being backlit. It

894
01:05:28.760 --> 01:05:31.800
was hard to see any details, but it looked like

895
01:05:31.880 --> 01:05:35.880
he was wearing a uniform. Something in the way he

896
01:05:35.960 --> 01:05:41.880
moved seemed off. When the man reached the driver's side window,

897
01:05:42.480 --> 01:05:45.400
he stopped for a few seconds and then leaned down

898
01:05:45.920 --> 01:05:49.960
and looked into the car. Amber stared into his face,

899
01:05:50.400 --> 01:05:54.559
shocked at seeing him wearing a respirator. She started to

900
01:05:54.599 --> 01:05:58.840
speak to ask why he stopped them, but everything froze

901
01:05:58.840 --> 01:06:02.960
when she looked into his eyes, eyes wild, crazy eyes,

902
01:06:03.360 --> 01:06:07.760
eyes that seemed to scream out for violence and blood.

903
01:06:09.280 --> 01:06:14.199
Are you good girls or bad girls? He said, in

904
01:06:14.239 --> 01:06:17.639
a whispery voice muted by the mask he was wearing.

905
01:06:18.719 --> 01:06:21.360
Amber jolted into motion and tried to start the car.

906
01:06:21.480 --> 01:06:23.599
As the man brought his hand up and sprayed a

907
01:06:23.679 --> 01:06:27.119
mist from a small tank into the car, Amber faded

908
01:06:27.559 --> 01:06:39.519
into darkness. Hearing the screams of her friends. Amber jerked

909
01:06:39.519 --> 01:06:44.000
awake to sounds of screaming. Groggily. She looked down and

910
01:06:44.119 --> 01:06:46.480
saw that her hands and legs were tied to an

911
01:06:46.480 --> 01:06:49.920
old office chair. The chair was on some kind of

912
01:06:50.000 --> 01:06:54.880
loading dock in an old, dirty warehouse or factory. She

913
01:06:55.039 --> 01:06:58.159
turned towards the screaming and realized that they were coming

914
01:06:58.199 --> 01:07:02.440
from a naked young woman lying on the floor. She

915
01:07:02.519 --> 01:07:04.920
was staked out in the middle of a crudely painted

916
01:07:04.960 --> 01:07:08.199
pentagram with candles at each point, with her arms and

917
01:07:08.320 --> 01:07:12.199
legs stretched out to her sides. The woman was covered

918
01:07:12.199 --> 01:07:16.880
in blood, and between cries of pain, she was pleading

919
01:07:16.960 --> 01:07:20.000
with a large man standing over her to let her go.

920
01:07:20.880 --> 01:07:25.800
The man answered with swipes of a large bloody knife.

921
01:07:26.360 --> 01:07:28.800
Amber tried to yell, but she found that she had

922
01:07:28.800 --> 01:07:31.800
been gagged with a dirty rag, held there by a

923
01:07:31.800 --> 01:07:35.960
cloth tied around her head, even though her cries were muffled.

924
01:07:36.280 --> 01:07:40.400
The man responded by turning toward her. His eyes seemed

925
01:07:40.400 --> 01:07:45.480
to shine lit by the light of insanity. These were

926
01:07:45.519 --> 01:07:47.960
the same eyes she saw on the man who had

927
01:07:48.000 --> 01:07:52.079
pulled them over. He grinned and held the bloody blade

928
01:07:52.159 --> 01:07:55.840
up to his mouth as if to shush her. Amber

929
01:07:55.960 --> 01:07:57.599
was able to get a better look at the woman

930
01:07:57.639 --> 01:08:03.960
on the floor and realized it was Sarah. Amber strained

931
01:08:03.960 --> 01:08:07.559
against her restraints, trying to yell for help, desperate to

932
01:08:07.599 --> 01:08:12.039
do anything to save her friend. The man grinned even

933
01:08:12.119 --> 01:08:16.800
more and turned back to Sarah, using the knife with

934
01:08:17.760 --> 01:08:25.119
more enthusiasm. Pleased that he now had an audience, Amber sobbed,

935
01:08:25.319 --> 01:08:28.640
choking on the gag, trying to find a way to

936
01:08:28.720 --> 01:08:33.359
break free. The killer plunged his knife deep into Sarah,

937
01:08:33.640 --> 01:08:38.439
her screams fading into a low gurgle. He reached into

938
01:08:38.479 --> 01:08:41.640
her abdomen and cut out a bloody piece of flesh.

939
01:08:42.680 --> 01:08:45.279
He turned toward Amber and waved it in the air,

940
01:08:46.159 --> 01:08:49.880
mocking her. He flipped it at her, and she had

941
01:08:49.880 --> 01:08:52.079
to jerk her head to the side to avoid being

942
01:08:52.199 --> 01:08:56.640
hit by the small piece of her friend. The killer

943
01:08:56.760 --> 01:08:59.640
laughed and then began to make a game out of

944
01:08:59.680 --> 01:09:03.600
cutting pieces of her friend, who now lay silent and

945
01:09:03.760 --> 01:09:09.520
unmoving and tossing the matter. After a few minutes, he

946
01:09:09.640 --> 01:09:12.840
seemed to grow bored with this game and raised the

947
01:09:12.920 --> 01:09:17.960
knife high in the air. He mumbled words in a

948
01:09:18.079 --> 01:09:22.840
language that Amber didn't recognize, and plunged the knife deep

949
01:09:23.640 --> 01:09:28.520
into Sarah's chest. With effort, he ripped the knife down,

950
01:09:28.720 --> 01:09:33.359
breaking ribs and cutting flesh. He reached into the large

951
01:09:33.399 --> 01:09:38.399
gaping wound and ripped something out, holding it up high

952
01:09:38.479 --> 01:09:42.880
as if offering it to the heavens. Amber felt bile

953
01:09:43.119 --> 01:09:47.399
rise up as she realized it was her friend's heart.

954
01:09:48.520 --> 01:09:51.640
She closed her eyes and turned away from the horror.

955
01:09:52.840 --> 01:09:56.720
A few seconds later, she heard footsteps scraping on the

956
01:09:56.800 --> 01:10:01.119
concrete and felt the killer's rancid breath on her face.

957
01:10:02.199 --> 01:10:07.239
She closed her eyes even tighter as he spoke, Hey,

958
01:10:07.319 --> 01:10:12.960
pretty girl, little miss kitty cat, look at your savior.

959
01:10:14.600 --> 01:10:18.000
Amber turned her head away from the voice. A hand

960
01:10:18.039 --> 01:10:21.079
with an iron grip seized her jaw and forced her

961
01:10:21.119 --> 01:10:25.000
head up. A cold, sharp object placed against her throat.

962
01:10:26.079 --> 01:10:30.640
I said look at me, the killer stated in a cold,

963
01:10:31.079 --> 01:10:36.520
hard voice. Amber opened her eyes and whimpered as she

964
01:10:36.600 --> 01:10:40.920
looked into the face of evil. You look like a

965
01:10:41.000 --> 01:10:44.600
good girl. I think Master will be pleased with you.

966
01:10:45.760 --> 01:10:50.199
He wasn't pleased with the other sacrifices, the killer said,

967
01:10:50.640 --> 01:10:56.319
pointing towards Sarah. Then gestured to a dark corner. Amber

968
01:10:56.399 --> 01:10:59.560
looked and could make out an outline of a body

969
01:11:00.359 --> 01:11:06.199
barely recognizable as human. Amber knew without a doubt that

970
01:11:06.239 --> 01:11:12.399
the bloody mess was what was left of Madison. She

971
01:11:12.520 --> 01:11:17.359
tried not to sob as she looked intently at her face. Yes,

972
01:11:18.000 --> 01:11:24.439
I'm sorry you slept through that one. How inconsiderate of me. Anyways,

973
01:11:25.479 --> 01:11:29.800
you didn't miss much. The Master didn't respond to her flesh.

974
01:11:30.600 --> 01:11:35.560
She must have been unclean you. On the other hand,

975
01:11:36.279 --> 01:11:38.800
the killer used the knife blade to play with the

976
01:11:38.840 --> 01:11:43.640
buttons on her costume. You look like a good girl,

977
01:11:44.399 --> 01:11:50.600
and the dark Lord likes good girls, he said, grinning.

978
01:11:52.239 --> 01:11:57.600
Are you afraid? Good? Weakly spooky? We'll be right back.

979
01:12:00.840 --> 01:12:05.119
Amber trembled with fear, tears and snot running down her face.

980
01:12:05.720 --> 01:12:09.119
She tried to talk past her gag, begging him to

981
01:12:09.239 --> 01:12:14.159
let her go, to let her live. The killer stepped back,

982
01:12:14.880 --> 01:12:18.760
looking pleased. Let's get you ready to meet the Master,

983
01:12:19.800 --> 01:12:21.960
he said, As he wiped the blood off of the

984
01:12:22.039 --> 01:12:25.399
blade and inserted it into a sheath on his belt,

985
01:12:26.279 --> 01:12:30.279
he stretched, seeming to enjoy the discomfort and fear he

986
01:12:30.359 --> 01:12:34.000
was provoking in her. As he started to lean forward,

987
01:12:34.680 --> 01:12:37.920
a young man suddenly leaped out of the darkness, swinging

988
01:12:37.960 --> 01:12:40.680
a large pipe. The pipe hit the killer on the

989
01:12:40.680 --> 01:12:43.439
side of his head and sent him sprawling across the room,

990
01:12:43.800 --> 01:12:49.800
landing near the unmoving body of Sarah Damn home run.

991
01:12:50.399 --> 01:12:53.079
Clyde yelled, flipping the pipe like it was a baseball

992
01:12:53.119 --> 01:12:55.920
bat and raising his arms in the air, waving to

993
01:12:56.000 --> 01:13:02.359
an imaginary crowd. Amber stared at him in astonishment. Clyde

994
01:13:02.399 --> 01:13:07.000
lowered his arms and looked around. Wow, man, what the

995
01:13:07.039 --> 01:13:11.439
hell happened here? Looks like a slaughter Like one of

996
01:13:11.479 --> 01:13:15.479
those slasher movies I keep hearing about, he said, pointing

997
01:13:15.520 --> 01:13:19.399
at Madison's body in the corner. Amber snapped out of

998
01:13:19.399 --> 01:13:22.560
her trance and struggled against the gag, trying to plead

999
01:13:22.600 --> 01:13:25.520
with him to let her go. He turned to point

1000
01:13:25.520 --> 01:13:28.880
at the killer. Two bodies and a large ass fuck

1001
01:13:28.960 --> 01:13:34.520
slicing everyone up. This is a slasher movie, he said excitedly.

1002
01:13:35.359 --> 01:13:37.760
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a flask

1003
01:13:37.840 --> 01:13:41.199
and began to drink from it. I keep hearing about

1004
01:13:41.199 --> 01:13:45.680
these movies at work. Sounds like a blast, baby, he stated,

1005
01:13:45.960 --> 01:13:49.960
taking another long pull on the flask. Wiping his mouth,

1006
01:13:50.079 --> 01:13:54.159
He looked at Amber. Damned doll, you look like shit,

1007
01:13:54.720 --> 01:13:59.079
he said, walking over to her. Amber started to sob again,

1008
01:13:59.199 --> 01:14:04.560
straining against the gag. So uh, you must be the

1009
01:14:04.600 --> 01:14:09.960
final girl. All of these movies have one, he suddenly smiled.

1010
01:14:10.880 --> 01:14:15.680
That must make me the dutiful boyfriend that sacrifices himself

1011
01:14:15.720 --> 01:14:19.399
to save you. God, and I thought this would be

1012
01:14:19.479 --> 01:14:25.800
a boring night, he said excitedly. Amber tried yelling even harder,

1013
01:14:26.119 --> 01:14:30.960
begging him to let her go drink, he said, offering

1014
01:14:31.000 --> 01:14:35.279
her the flask. Seeing Amber struggle against her restraints, he

1015
01:14:35.359 --> 01:14:39.119
smacked himself in the forehead. Sorry, little missy, let me help,

1016
01:14:39.680 --> 01:14:42.840
he said, apologetically, as he reached down and took the

1017
01:14:42.880 --> 01:14:46.600
gag out of her mouth. Amber took a few deep breaths.

1018
01:14:48.279 --> 01:14:51.560
Please please, oh God, you've got to help me. Untime

1019
01:14:51.600 --> 01:14:54.159
me and call the police. This crazy man kidnapped us

1020
01:14:54.239 --> 01:14:57.479
and killed. She broke into sobs as she looked over

1021
01:14:57.520 --> 01:15:02.279
at Sarah. Hey now babyfit stry those tears as the

1022
01:15:02.720 --> 01:15:05.920
dutiful boyfriend. I have to help you. That's how these

1023
01:15:05.960 --> 01:15:09.520
movies work, he said. Now let me cut you loose.

1024
01:15:10.119 --> 01:15:12.800
He gestured to his right hand and a switchblade popped

1025
01:15:12.840 --> 01:15:16.279
open in it. He gently reached down and cut the

1026
01:15:16.359 --> 01:15:19.840
ropes tying her to the chair. There we go, sweets,

1027
01:15:20.359 --> 01:15:24.039
he said, pulling the ropes loose. Oh, thank you, thank you,

1028
01:15:24.239 --> 01:15:27.840
thank you. Amber sobbed. Do you have a phone. We

1029
01:15:27.960 --> 01:15:31.840
need to call the police. Sorry, babe, ain't got no phone,

1030
01:15:32.359 --> 01:15:35.079
he said. We need to get out of here. We

1031
01:15:35.159 --> 01:15:38.279
need to get help. She said. Her legs were numb

1032
01:15:38.279 --> 01:15:41.000
from lack of circulation, and she stumbled as she tried

1033
01:15:41.039 --> 01:15:44.279
to stand. As he steadied her, she could smell the

1034
01:15:44.359 --> 01:15:49.640
overpowering stench of alcohol. We got a long walk then,

1035
01:15:49.680 --> 01:15:53.079
because I ain't got no car either. I was with

1036
01:15:53.159 --> 01:15:55.560
some coworkers on the way to a Halloween shin dig

1037
01:15:55.560 --> 01:15:57.640
when I suddenly found myself here in the middle of

1038
01:15:57.720 --> 01:16:01.199
fucking nowhere. There ain't no one around for miles except

1039
01:16:01.319 --> 01:16:05.720
us and him, he said, pointing to the killer. Amber

1040
01:16:05.800 --> 01:16:07.960
looked to the killer and was shocked to see him

1041
01:16:08.000 --> 01:16:11.479
beginning to stir. She could now hear a low moan

1042
01:16:11.680 --> 01:16:14.399
coming from him as the maniac began rubbing the side

1043
01:16:14.439 --> 01:16:17.880
of his face. Oh God, you have to finish him.

1044
01:16:18.359 --> 01:16:22.520
He's getting up, she gasped. Well, it's not time for

1045
01:16:22.560 --> 01:16:25.880
that yet. What kind of movie would that be? This

1046
01:16:25.960 --> 01:16:28.119
is where we beat feet and try to hide from

1047
01:16:28.159 --> 01:16:31.800
the vicious killer, the young man said as he turned

1048
01:16:31.800 --> 01:16:34.560
away from her. God, I always wanted to be in

1049
01:16:34.600 --> 01:16:38.000
a horror movie. Giggling, the young man walked through a

1050
01:16:38.039 --> 01:16:41.800
door leading deeper into the factory. Amber looked at the

1051
01:16:41.840 --> 01:16:44.359
doorway and then back at the killer, who was trying

1052
01:16:44.399 --> 01:16:47.399
to pull himself up to his knees. She limped through

1053
01:16:47.439 --> 01:16:50.800
the door. It took Amber a second to see Clyde

1054
01:16:50.880 --> 01:16:55.000
moving silently through the rows of rusty machinery. She moved

1055
01:16:55.000 --> 01:16:58.680
as quickly and quietly as her aching legs would allow.

1056
01:16:59.720 --> 01:17:02.159
When she caught up to him, he turned and looked

1057
01:17:02.159 --> 01:17:05.319
at her with a sly smile. I hope he's a

1058
01:17:05.359 --> 01:17:08.199
good killer. I hate for this night to be a bust,

1059
01:17:08.720 --> 01:17:12.159
he said. Amber stared at him for a second before saying,

1060
01:17:12.920 --> 01:17:18.439
you're crazy. I'm not crazy, I'm Clyde, he whispered, giggling again.

1061
01:17:19.359 --> 01:17:23.680
Clyde turned and glided into the darkness. Amber hesitated, but

1062
01:17:23.800 --> 01:17:27.279
began to move once he heard a metallic scrape somewhere

1063
01:17:27.279 --> 01:17:34.319
behind her. Amber stumbled and groped her way through the

1064
01:17:34.359 --> 01:17:41.640
darkened factory, following Clyde. The killer could be heard yelling,

1065
01:17:42.119 --> 01:17:47.079
his voice echoing off the factory walls. After long, tense minutes,

1066
01:17:47.960 --> 01:17:52.279
everything grew quiet. Suddenly, a beam of light sprung out

1067
01:17:52.319 --> 01:17:55.680
of the darkness, illuminating the row of machinery ahead of her.

1068
01:17:56.359 --> 01:17:59.760
She stifled a scream as the light moved back and forth,

1069
01:18:00.319 --> 01:18:04.560
seeking them out. A booming voice yelled from the darkness

1070
01:18:04.600 --> 01:18:10.479
behind the flashlight. Here come out, kitty, and your little

1071
01:18:10.520 --> 01:18:15.279
boyfriend too. Clyde reached out and patted Amber's hand. I

1072
01:18:15.319 --> 01:18:18.239
think it's time for the big scene. You wait here

1073
01:18:18.279 --> 01:18:20.520
and I'll go out and see if we can't speed

1074
01:18:20.600 --> 01:18:24.800
things up. I have to be back by dawn, Clyde whispered.

1075
01:18:25.279 --> 01:18:28.479
He picked up a large, rusty wrench off the bench

1076
01:18:28.600 --> 01:18:31.399
next to them and banged it on the cement floor.

1077
01:18:32.640 --> 01:18:37.039
The flashlight whipped around and locked onto the crouching figures

1078
01:18:37.560 --> 01:18:42.239
of Clyde and Amber. Clyde stood and, shaking his fist

1079
01:18:42.239 --> 01:18:45.239
at the killer, roared, if you want he daddy, O,

1080
01:18:45.760 --> 01:18:50.239
you have to go through me first. The killer, unseen

1081
01:18:50.319 --> 01:18:55.680
behind the bright light, laughed and said that come to me.

1082
01:18:56.640 --> 01:18:59.760
Clyde ran at the killer. Amber heard sounds of a

1083
01:18:59.760 --> 01:19:02.840
stre sruggle, and the beam of the flashlight swung back

1084
01:19:02.920 --> 01:19:05.520
and forth as they fought, but it was difficult for

1085
01:19:05.560 --> 01:19:11.239
her to tell what was going on. Finally the struggle ended,

1086
01:19:12.319 --> 01:19:15.199
A figure stumbled back and fell on the ground in

1087
01:19:15.199 --> 01:19:19.640
front of Amber. The flashlight swung around a spotlight Clyde

1088
01:19:20.199 --> 01:19:23.039
lying on his back, holding his hands to his throat,

1089
01:19:23.520 --> 01:19:28.039
blood pouring out from between his fingers. Clyde tried to speak,

1090
01:19:28.319 --> 01:19:30.279
reaching out to her, but all that came out of

1091
01:19:30.279 --> 01:19:34.439
his mouth was an eruption of blood. His outstretched hand

1092
01:19:34.560 --> 01:19:39.279
fell to the ground as he stopped struggling and laid there,

1093
01:19:39.960 --> 01:19:46.119
limp and unmoving. The light snapped to Amber's face, blinding her.

1094
01:19:46.600 --> 01:19:49.039
She tried jumping to her feet to run away, but

1095
01:19:49.159 --> 01:19:52.680
her legs gave out from under her. She fell forward,

1096
01:19:52.760 --> 01:19:55.600
striking her head on the edge of a bench, Landing

1097
01:19:55.640 --> 01:19:59.119
on the floor. Dazed, she felt the breath leave her

1098
01:19:59.479 --> 01:20:03.079
as the killer brought his large boot down upon her neck.

1099
01:20:04.439 --> 01:20:08.920
I have so much to show you. My little kiddy cat,

1100
01:20:09.199 --> 01:20:20.000
he whispered. Once again, Amber's whirled went dark. As Amber

1101
01:20:20.119 --> 01:20:23.159
came to she felt a coldness under her bare skin.

1102
01:20:24.319 --> 01:20:26.600
She tried to roll over, only to find that she

1103
01:20:26.720 --> 01:20:32.000
was tied down, spread eagle. She blinked the dizziness from

1104
01:20:32.000 --> 01:20:36.000
her eyes and squinted at her body. Each wrist and

1105
01:20:36.079 --> 01:20:40.199
ankle was tied to a steel rod hammered into the concrete.

1106
01:20:41.239 --> 01:20:44.880
As the fog continued to lift from her consciousness, she

1107
01:20:45.000 --> 01:20:49.479
saw something move above her, and, after a moment of effort,

1108
01:20:50.359 --> 01:20:56.199
her eyes focused on a face, the face of the killer.

1109
01:20:57.239 --> 01:21:01.720
There you are, my little one, he food, grinning. You

1110
01:21:01.880 --> 01:21:04.680
gave me a scare. I thought you may not wake

1111
01:21:04.760 --> 01:21:08.359
up to accept the dark One's blessing, he said, his

1112
01:21:08.479 --> 01:21:11.399
wicked blade, catching the light from the candles that were

1113
01:21:11.439 --> 01:21:18.359
placed around her. Amber began to weep, begging for her life.

1114
01:21:18.840 --> 01:21:23.399
Sh I'll have none of that. This is a joyous time.

1115
01:21:24.159 --> 01:21:28.039
If you start blubbering, I'll begin by carving out your tongue,

1116
01:21:28.199 --> 01:21:32.279
the killer whispered to her. Amber struggled to control herself,

1117
01:21:32.520 --> 01:21:36.680
but she could not stop her sobbing. Maybe I should

1118
01:21:36.680 --> 01:21:41.560
begin here, the killer purred as he ran the knife

1119
01:21:41.640 --> 01:21:46.520
down her bare belly, toward her privates. After all, that

1120
01:21:46.680 --> 01:21:51.680
is what turns little angels into lying hoars, he said,

1121
01:21:51.960 --> 01:21:55.520
yelling the last few words, he plunged the knife several

1122
01:21:55.560 --> 01:21:59.279
inches deep inside her. Amber screamed as she felt blood

1123
01:21:59.319 --> 01:22:02.680
flowing from between her legs. The Killer pulled the knife

1124
01:22:02.680 --> 01:22:05.439
out of her and slowly ran his tongue along the

1125
01:22:05.439 --> 01:22:10.640
flat of the blade, savoring the taste of her blood. Oh, yes,

1126
01:22:11.520 --> 01:22:14.560
the dark Lord will shower me with rewards for bringing

1127
01:22:14.640 --> 01:22:18.920
him a soul like yours. He leaned down and licked

1128
01:22:18.960 --> 01:22:22.279
the tears from Amber's face. As sobs wrecked her body,

1129
01:22:23.479 --> 01:22:27.119
Laughter exploded from behind them. The Killer whipped his head

1130
01:22:27.119 --> 01:22:32.640
around and gawked at what he saw. Amber, with considerable effort,

1131
01:22:33.079 --> 01:22:38.439
raised her head and stared unbelieving at Clyde, sitting calmly

1132
01:22:38.479 --> 01:22:40.760
on the loading dock in the chair that Amber had

1133
01:22:40.800 --> 01:22:44.439
been tied to earlier. Clyde's white t shirt was covered

1134
01:22:44.479 --> 01:22:48.479
in drying blood, but he seemed unhurt. He flicked his

1135
01:22:48.479 --> 01:22:51.800
thumb across a match head, causing it to burst into flame.

1136
01:22:52.279 --> 01:22:54.640
He brought the match up to a cigarette in his mouth,

1137
01:22:54.960 --> 01:22:58.640
lighting it. Damn, you have no idea how much I

1138
01:22:58.680 --> 01:23:03.039
miss these, he said, taking a deep drag. You'd think

1139
01:23:03.079 --> 01:23:05.800
with all the smoke and fire where I work, they

1140
01:23:05.840 --> 01:23:11.119
would allow these, But nope, Clyde continued wistfully. Hell can

1141
01:23:11.159 --> 01:23:15.960
be a weird place sometimes. The Killer rose to his feet.

1142
01:23:16.439 --> 01:23:19.680
He waved his knife in the air before saying, you

1143
01:23:19.840 --> 01:23:22.680
stay back. She is my sacrifice to the dark One,

1144
01:23:22.760 --> 01:23:28.720
and you cannot have her. Clyde laughed again. Dark and ominous,

1145
01:23:30.319 --> 01:23:33.960
You think this, he said, spreading his hands toward the

1146
01:23:34.000 --> 01:23:37.119
carnage around them, will get you the attention of the

1147
01:23:37.359 --> 01:23:42.199
dark Lord. You have no idea what it takes. I

1148
01:23:42.279 --> 01:23:46.399
committed countless atrocities, gave him the souls of hundreds of men,

1149
01:23:46.520 --> 01:23:49.520
women and children. I ripped babies from the wombs of

1150
01:23:49.560 --> 01:23:52.520
their mothers, and burned nuns alive, screaming for their God

1151
01:23:52.560 --> 01:23:55.479
to save them, and yet I barely registered on the

1152
01:23:55.600 --> 01:23:59.920
radar of his lowest Lieutenant. Clyde was now standing screaming

1153
01:24:00.039 --> 01:24:02.920
at the killer. I devoted my whole life to killing

1154
01:24:03.000 --> 01:24:06.079
for his glory, and he doesn't even know my name.

1155
01:24:06.800 --> 01:24:09.319
You think killing a couple of skirts will bring down

1156
01:24:09.359 --> 01:24:15.600
his blessing, You're a fool, he said with contempt. The killer,

1157
01:24:16.039 --> 01:24:20.039
shaking with rage, roared the dark one promised me glory,

1158
01:24:20.399 --> 01:24:23.199
eternal life. You will not take that away from me.

1159
01:24:24.000 --> 01:24:26.640
The killer lunged forward and buried his knife up to

1160
01:24:26.720 --> 01:24:30.760
the hilt in Clyde's chest. The killer stopped dead, his

1161
01:24:30.880 --> 01:24:35.560
mouth agape as Clyde almost nonchalantly grabbed him by the

1162
01:24:35.600 --> 01:24:39.359
neck and lifted him off the ground. Clyde looked up

1163
01:24:39.359 --> 01:24:44.479
at the killer and grinned. So he promised you eternal life. Well,

1164
01:24:44.560 --> 01:24:48.680
let's uh test that out. Clyde's hand shot out and

1165
01:24:48.800 --> 01:24:52.600
plunged into the killer's chest. When he withdrew his hand,

1166
01:24:53.000 --> 01:24:57.000
he was holding the killer's still beating heart. He left

1167
01:24:57.000 --> 01:25:01.840
both the killer's body and heart to drop to the ground. Sighing,

1168
01:25:02.279 --> 01:25:04.680
Clyde took a seat at the edge of the loading dock.

1169
01:25:05.439 --> 01:25:07.760
He reached over and picked up his cigarette from the

1170
01:25:07.800 --> 01:25:12.399
floor where he dropped it during the confrontation. He ran

1171
01:25:12.479 --> 01:25:16.159
his hand, still slick with the killer's blood, threw his hair,

1172
01:25:16.680 --> 01:25:22.680
and sighed again. Taking a drag from his smoke, he said, man,

1173
01:25:23.560 --> 01:25:26.760
this isn't how I pictured this night going. Hell's a

1174
01:25:26.800 --> 01:25:29.560
bitch of a place to work. A handful of us

1175
01:25:29.600 --> 01:25:33.960
get one night off a year. On Halloween, for the

1176
01:25:34.000 --> 01:25:37.479
first time since I've been there almost seventy years, I

1177
01:25:37.600 --> 01:25:40.840
was picked. We had a great night planned. We were

1178
01:25:41.079 --> 01:25:44.840
going to terrorize a small remote village, burn their crops

1179
01:25:44.880 --> 01:25:47.760
and livestock, possess a few people, and end the night

1180
01:25:48.199 --> 01:25:52.199
in a blood bath. He flicked ashes on the killer's forehead.

1181
01:25:53.479 --> 01:25:58.119
Somehow I ended up here. I think it was because

1182
01:25:58.159 --> 01:26:02.720
of this fuckwad's ritual or whatever he was doing. Maybe

1183
01:26:02.760 --> 01:26:04.600
I was sent by the big Guy to teach him

1184
01:26:04.600 --> 01:26:09.319
a lesson. Hell, he laughed. Maybe the dark Lord did

1185
01:26:09.479 --> 01:26:13.479
have big plans for him and I uh fucked it up.

1186
01:26:14.359 --> 01:26:17.920
Oh well, either way, I'll find out in the morning.

1187
01:26:18.680 --> 01:26:21.920
Clyde took a final drag off of his cigarette and

1188
01:26:22.039 --> 01:26:26.720
flicked it off into the darkness. Well, little missy, he said,

1189
01:26:26.720 --> 01:26:29.720
as he looked over at Amber, I don't have to

1190
01:26:29.840 --> 01:26:34.319
leave until dawn, so let's have ourselves a little Halloween party.

1191
01:26:35.159 --> 01:26:38.079
He pulled the knife from his chest and tested the

1192
01:26:38.199 --> 01:26:42.479
edge with his thumb. Grinning, he jumped to his feet

1193
01:26:42.840 --> 01:26:48.000
and walked toward Amber for the last time. Amber began

1194
01:26:48.119 --> 01:27:01.279
to scream A Wet and Wild Halloween by David Ohanlon

1195
01:27:04.159 --> 01:27:07.560
Bryce glared into the gaping mouth of the Pumpkin King

1196
01:27:07.720 --> 01:27:11.319
and knew he was going to die. He could hear

1197
01:27:11.399 --> 01:27:16.159
the terrified screams of those already inside. The screeching, piercing

1198
01:27:16.279 --> 01:27:19.920
wails of their panic rang out over the cacophony around him,

1199
01:27:20.079 --> 01:27:23.520
drowning out the rest of the world. One of the

1200
01:27:23.640 --> 01:27:27.279
King's victims launched between the bright orange lips and hung

1201
01:27:27.399 --> 01:27:31.760
in the air. Bryce's stomach twisted in nervous knots as

1202
01:27:31.760 --> 01:27:35.159
the child flailed about in the afternoon sky before splashing

1203
01:27:35.199 --> 01:27:38.880
into the pool below. The little boy exploded through the

1204
01:27:38.920 --> 01:27:45.000
surface and shrieked a prepubescent yeehaw. Bryce shook his head

1205
01:27:45.000 --> 01:27:48.840
and wandered around the ever growing line of Texas's greatest

1206
01:27:48.920 --> 01:27:52.039
water slide. The only thing good about the state was

1207
01:27:52.079 --> 01:27:54.840
that Halloween was still hot enough to enjoy a trip

1208
01:27:54.880 --> 01:27:58.359
to the water park. The other water slides were largely

1209
01:27:58.439 --> 01:28:02.880
being ignored in favor of the big new attraction. It

1210
01:28:02.960 --> 01:28:05.680
was their last chance before the park closed for the year.

1211
01:28:06.520 --> 01:28:10.359
Some twisted genius had designed the winding Tubes of Certainish

1212
01:28:10.439 --> 01:28:14.680
Death so that four people could go down simultaneously, chris

1213
01:28:14.840 --> 01:28:18.000
crossing each other's paths along the black and purple shoots

1214
01:28:18.359 --> 01:28:22.359
until being vomited out of the pumpkin King's smirking face.

1215
01:28:23.279 --> 01:28:27.600
The oversized gourd hung perilously over a bat shaped pool,

1216
01:28:27.720 --> 01:28:31.279
with orange lights illuminating the water from below, so the

1217
01:28:31.359 --> 01:28:36.640
line of anxious guests could see the previous victims churning about.

1218
01:28:37.159 --> 01:28:41.560
A heinous cackle emanated from hidden speakers, signaling the attendants

1219
01:28:41.600 --> 01:28:46.079
to prepare the next victims. Bryce would be one of

1220
01:28:46.119 --> 01:28:50.520
the night's sacrifices. Splashtown was opened from the last day

1221
01:28:50.560 --> 01:28:53.920
of school to Halloween every year, and with the water

1222
01:28:54.039 --> 01:28:57.760
drop shaped season pass around her neck, Rebecca Angle would

1223
01:28:57.800 --> 01:29:01.760
be there almost every single day. Bryce had fallen in

1224
01:29:01.800 --> 01:29:04.319
love with Rebecca when they shared a moon pie at

1225
01:29:04.319 --> 01:29:08.760
recess in the third grade. After eight years of awkwardness,

1226
01:29:09.279 --> 01:29:12.239
Bryce had finally worked up the nerve to ask Rebecca

1227
01:29:12.479 --> 01:29:15.039
to go on a date with them. She'd be at

1228
01:29:15.039 --> 01:29:18.720
Splashtown anyway, so it wasn't any extra effort on her part.

1229
01:29:19.399 --> 01:29:23.960
He was still surprised when she said, yes, Mommy, my

1230
01:29:24.079 --> 01:29:27.560
skin is stinging. A little girl with auburn pigtails whined

1231
01:29:27.560 --> 01:29:31.880
as she walked past Bryce. You're fine, Susie, her mother said,

1232
01:29:32.439 --> 01:29:35.479
you just need more sun block. Bryce stuck his hands

1233
01:29:35.520 --> 01:29:37.680
in the pockets of his swim trunks and made his

1234
01:29:37.760 --> 01:29:40.720
way to the concession stands to meet up with Rebecca.

1235
01:29:41.279 --> 01:29:43.960
He sniffed the air and tried not to drool at

1236
01:29:44.000 --> 01:29:48.800
the flavors attacking his nose. He mentally untangled the sweet

1237
01:29:48.840 --> 01:29:52.359
smell of funnel cakes from the savory chili dogs, the

1238
01:29:52.439 --> 01:29:57.279
pizza slices from the cheeseburgers. His stomach growled with rage

1239
01:29:57.279 --> 01:30:01.239
at the boy's new diet. Bryce rubbed belly and looked down.

1240
01:30:01.800 --> 01:30:04.800
For the first time since he was seven, he could

1241
01:30:04.840 --> 01:30:08.640
see his feet again. He missed the delicious foods, but

1242
01:30:09.239 --> 01:30:11.840
he was glad he'd started eating right and working out.

1243
01:30:12.720 --> 01:30:14.760
He ordered a bottle of water in a bag of

1244
01:30:14.800 --> 01:30:19.039
peanuts before taking a seat on a nearby bench. A

1245
01:30:19.119 --> 01:30:22.920
girl walked by, sniffing her hair. Though he couldn't see

1246
01:30:22.920 --> 01:30:26.600
her face. Bryce recognized Tabby Winfield by her high pitched

1247
01:30:27.079 --> 01:30:31.119
nasal wine. She tossed the thick braid over her shoulder

1248
01:30:31.159 --> 01:30:34.960
and scrunched her nose. The water here smells like daddy's

1249
01:30:35.000 --> 01:30:39.079
farm hands, she told her friends. Bryce remembered the girl

1250
01:30:39.079 --> 01:30:43.000
from earlier and looked around the park others made sour

1251
01:30:43.079 --> 01:30:46.600
expressions as they toweled off as well. A man rinsed

1252
01:30:46.640 --> 01:30:50.800
his sobbing Granson off with a bottle of water. John Cahill,

1253
01:30:50.920 --> 01:30:54.439
the star of the basketball team, wretched excess water into

1254
01:30:54.520 --> 01:30:58.720
a trash bin. Bryce watched more park goers flying out

1255
01:30:58.760 --> 01:31:09.399
of that damn pumpkin. Something was wrong, God damn it,

1256
01:31:09.520 --> 01:31:12.960
stew Peter Brack shouted as he ducked under the low

1257
01:31:13.000 --> 01:31:16.359
hanging pipes on his way to the maintenance supervisor's office.

1258
01:31:16.920 --> 01:31:19.520
You got the solution up too high. These assholes are

1259
01:31:19.520 --> 01:31:22.560
beating down my door demanding refunds and free t shirts.

1260
01:31:22.920 --> 01:31:27.119
Those shirts cost me six fifty apiece. Peter stopped complaining

1261
01:31:27.159 --> 01:31:30.640
once he got to the water treatment controls. Stu Band

1262
01:31:30.800 --> 01:31:33.920
was nowhere to be seen. Pete checked the gages on

1263
01:31:33.960 --> 01:31:38.640
the machinery himself and sputtered his plump lips. Everything was

1264
01:31:38.680 --> 01:31:41.920
in the green. He thumped them each to see if

1265
01:31:41.920 --> 01:31:46.279
they were stuck, but nothing happened. He squatted as much

1266
01:31:46.279 --> 01:31:49.520
as his knees allowed and stared at the water samples

1267
01:31:49.560 --> 01:31:53.960
collected in the slight tubes. Something sparkled in the suspension.

1268
01:31:54.800 --> 01:31:59.560
What intarnation is going on? Pete scratched at his horseshoe

1269
01:31:59.560 --> 01:32:06.159
of silver. Pete shouted for Stew again, no response. He

1270
01:32:06.239 --> 01:32:10.319
continued his inspection of the machine, then stumbled to a halt.

1271
01:32:11.119 --> 01:32:14.479
He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, hoping he

1272
01:32:14.560 --> 01:32:19.039
was wrong. He opened his eyes slowly and looked at

1273
01:32:19.039 --> 01:32:22.439
the fifty five gallon drums plumbed into the treatment lines

1274
01:32:22.479 --> 01:32:26.920
with a defeated sigh. Pete had been running Splashtown for

1275
01:32:26.960 --> 01:32:30.359
thirty years. The drums for the water treatment solution had

1276
01:32:30.399 --> 01:32:34.479
always been blue polymer. Pete stomped closer to the red

1277
01:32:34.560 --> 01:32:37.880
steel drums and wrapped his knuckles against the side of

1278
01:32:37.920 --> 01:32:42.520
the nearest one. It was already half empty. He searched

1279
01:32:42.560 --> 01:32:45.640
each of them for a label or any other indication

1280
01:32:45.760 --> 01:32:49.359
of what might have been inside. I'm going to break

1281
01:32:49.399 --> 01:32:52.840
your scrawny neck, Stew. He grabbed the wheel to shut

1282
01:32:52.880 --> 01:32:55.520
off the flow. The lawyers are going to have our

1283
01:32:55.600 --> 01:32:59.399
balls for breakfast if this shit is toxic. A moist

1284
01:32:59.439 --> 01:33:02.119
hand cl lamped onto the back of Peter Brack's neck.

1285
01:33:02.960 --> 01:33:06.800
The screwdriver plunged into his ear, and he fell to

1286
01:33:06.880 --> 01:33:13.439
the concrete. Stew's slimy, malformed hands cranked the wheel, fully

1287
01:33:13.560 --> 01:33:18.520
opening the valves. Brack's final seconds were pure terror. As

1288
01:33:18.520 --> 01:33:23.159
he watched the sample tubes change color. That horrible shimmer

1289
01:33:23.760 --> 01:33:30.560
became a frantic, swirling glow. Something slithered along the pipes overhead.

1290
01:33:31.640 --> 01:33:41.880
Pete could almost see it. Bryce sipped his water and

1291
01:33:42.000 --> 01:33:45.800
watched the park staff meander about in their Halloween costumes.

1292
01:33:46.479 --> 01:33:49.920
Attendants at the Pumpkin King tossed handfuls of sweets at

1293
01:33:49.920 --> 01:33:54.159
the line to keep everyone calm. Bryce missed tricker treating.

1294
01:33:55.119 --> 01:33:58.159
High school parties were fun, but they lacked the same

1295
01:33:58.279 --> 01:34:01.920
spirit of the more childish last time. He was a

1296
01:34:02.000 --> 01:34:06.439
year from adulthood. Halloween couldn't offer anything as scary as that.

1297
01:34:07.840 --> 01:34:10.399
A group of parents cornered a staffer in a witch

1298
01:34:10.439 --> 01:34:14.439
costume and began berating the poor girl. Bryce couldn't hear

1299
01:34:14.479 --> 01:34:17.960
what they were saying as they furiously waved their hands

1300
01:34:17.960 --> 01:34:21.279
at the crying children behind them. A hand on his

1301
01:34:21.359 --> 01:34:23.880
shoulder made him jump, and he spun around on the

1302
01:34:23.880 --> 01:34:29.760
bench to see Rebecca Angle standing there, smiling down at him.

1303
01:34:30.119 --> 01:34:34.479
Her black one piece was festooned with sparkling pumpkins, and

1304
01:34:34.560 --> 01:34:37.279
he tried to pry his eyes back to her face.

1305
01:34:38.199 --> 01:34:41.760
Hi Becca, he said, with all the coolness he could muster.

1306
01:34:42.800 --> 01:34:47.039
Been here long, he didn't know why he'd asked her

1307
01:34:47.079 --> 01:34:49.399
hair was dry and they'd agreed to meet at the

1308
01:34:49.439 --> 01:34:54.159
concession stand, so the answer was obvious. Bryce forced a

1309
01:34:54.239 --> 01:34:58.399
smile and hoped it covered up his folly. Nope, just

1310
01:34:58.479 --> 01:35:01.439
got done putting my stuff in the locker. She pointed

1311
01:35:01.479 --> 01:35:03.720
at the pumpkin King. Should we get in line for

1312
01:35:03.760 --> 01:35:06.800
that one first? It'll take the longest. I thought we

1313
01:35:06.840 --> 01:35:08.479
could get it out of the way and just hang

1314
01:35:08.520 --> 01:35:14.199
out while we wait. Bryce nodded, Sure, sounds good. The

1315
01:35:14.279 --> 01:35:17.920
line zigzagged back and forth in six rows between orange

1316
01:35:17.920 --> 01:35:20.920
and black velvet ropes. They took their place at the

1317
01:35:21.039 --> 01:35:23.880
end of the line and talked about their chemistry test

1318
01:35:23.960 --> 01:35:28.039
and the fall dance. He was too distracted by more

1319
01:35:28.079 --> 01:35:31.960
disgruntled guests, which caused him to miss his opportunity to

1320
01:35:32.079 --> 01:35:36.079
ask her to the dance. He tried bringing the conversation

1321
01:35:36.279 --> 01:35:40.399
back around to the event. When the screaming started, they

1322
01:35:40.520 --> 01:35:43.079
echoed down the tubes of the slide as heralds of

1323
01:35:43.119 --> 01:35:46.239
the misery still to come. The child shot from the

1324
01:35:46.279 --> 01:35:49.319
mouth of the Pumpkin King on an iridescent gout of

1325
01:35:49.439 --> 01:35:53.600
violet water. The shrill cries continued until the boy splashed

1326
01:35:53.640 --> 01:35:57.159
into the pool below. From his position, Bryce couldn't see

1327
01:35:57.199 --> 01:36:01.760
the chemicals spilling forth and spreading, consuming the ordinary water

1328
01:36:01.880 --> 01:36:05.800
with ferocity. His gaze flicked back to the gargantuan gourd

1329
01:36:06.039 --> 01:36:09.439
and the elderly man that flew out next. Bryce rubbed

1330
01:36:09.479 --> 01:36:11.800
his eyes to clear what must have been a trick

1331
01:36:11.840 --> 01:36:14.960
of the light, and obese lady streaked down the water

1332
01:36:15.039 --> 01:36:19.840
slide right behind the geriatric high Above them, Splashtown employees

1333
01:36:19.920 --> 01:36:22.880
dressed like Mario and Luigi hurried the next riders into

1334
01:36:22.920 --> 01:36:26.600
their passages. Bryce called for one of the candy throwers,

1335
01:36:26.600 --> 01:36:30.520
but got no response. Maybe it was for the better,

1336
01:36:30.880 --> 01:36:33.479
after all, how was he going to explain his request

1337
01:36:33.520 --> 01:36:36.359
to shut down the slide. They weren't going to believe

1338
01:36:36.439 --> 01:36:41.079
him if he said the geezer's skin was wrong. Bryce

1339
01:36:41.079 --> 01:36:43.880
shoved forward in line to one of the pool's viewing windows.

1340
01:36:44.560 --> 01:36:48.960
The purple fluid dyed the pool with shimmering, cancerous swirls.

1341
01:36:49.640 --> 01:36:52.600
The team cupped his hands around his eyes and leaned

1342
01:36:52.640 --> 01:36:56.920
on the cool glass. The underwater lighting reflected off whatever

1343
01:36:56.960 --> 01:37:01.119
the violet substance carried and twinkled like thousands of stars,

1344
01:37:02.039 --> 01:37:05.960
but Bryce couldn't see anyone. The little boy swam by

1345
01:37:06.000 --> 01:37:10.720
the window, giving Bryce a start. More screams pierced the evening,

1346
01:37:11.680 --> 01:37:14.920
only these weren't filled with the playful fear of sliders.

1347
01:37:16.000 --> 01:37:19.880
Another shape whipped past the glass portal. Bryce leaped away

1348
01:37:19.880 --> 01:37:24.039
from the wall. The boy came back into view. The

1349
01:37:24.079 --> 01:37:28.399
old man clung to his back. Finger length appendages danced

1350
01:37:28.399 --> 01:37:32.279
from open wounds along the man's exposed torso. A shiny

1351
01:37:32.319 --> 01:37:35.880
black spine snicked out each like switchblades and darted into

1352
01:37:35.880 --> 01:37:39.800
the child's flesh. The fat lady flipped over the guardrail

1353
01:37:39.840 --> 01:37:43.720
overhead and hit the sidewalk next to Bryce, pinning another

1354
01:37:43.760 --> 01:37:47.720
impatient guest below her girth. Bryce listened to the muffled

1355
01:37:47.760 --> 01:37:51.720
screams beneath her and saw the same dancing wormlike things

1356
01:37:51.760 --> 01:37:54.720
stretching out from her skin and fighting the fabric of

1357
01:37:54.720 --> 01:37:58.079
her ill advised bikini. He bolted to the back of

1358
01:37:58.119 --> 01:38:00.720
the line for Rebecca. As the crowd began to scream

1359
01:38:00.960 --> 01:38:04.600
and run in all directions around the park. Others were

1360
01:38:04.600 --> 01:38:08.039
doing the same. Bryce seized Rebecca by the arm. We've

1361
01:38:08.039 --> 01:38:11.920
got to go now, what's happening, she asked? As he

1362
01:38:12.039 --> 01:38:14.840
dragged her away from the pumpkin king did someone get hurt?

1363
01:38:15.560 --> 01:38:19.640
Tabby Winfield answered her question by tackling two of their classmates.

1364
01:38:20.079 --> 01:38:23.560
Her hand gripped the bag of Tom Zabo's collar. The

1365
01:38:23.600 --> 01:38:27.000
worm things tore out between her fingers and stuck their

1366
01:38:27.079 --> 01:38:30.640
talons into the base of his skull. Tom's dates squirmed

1367
01:38:30.680 --> 01:38:34.000
under Tabby, who lifted her head in a weak shrill scream.

1368
01:38:34.520 --> 01:38:38.840
Her throat undulated and ripped open wide, revealing rows of teeth.

1369
01:38:39.359 --> 01:38:42.039
The new mouth clamped onto the trapped girl's skull with

1370
01:38:42.119 --> 01:38:47.640
a crunch. What the hell, Becca whimpered, she stumbled as

1371
01:38:47.640 --> 01:38:50.840
Bryce pulled her along. More park goers were being attacked

1372
01:38:50.840 --> 01:38:54.159
by the mutants. Their new digits twisted away from their

1373
01:38:54.199 --> 01:38:57.680
bodies in search of prey. The black talons darted in

1374
01:38:57.840 --> 01:39:02.239
and out, ready to pierce flesh. Victims screamed and cried

1375
01:39:02.279 --> 01:39:05.640
around them. Bryce pulled Rebecca into one of the restrooms

1376
01:39:05.880 --> 01:39:09.079
and slammed the door. His hand slapped at a bare

1377
01:39:09.159 --> 01:39:12.960
brass plate. Damn it, he shouted, kicking the door. It

1378
01:39:13.039 --> 01:39:17.279
only locks from the outside. Wonderful hiding spot. It'll do

1379
01:39:17.399 --> 01:39:21.079
for now. Do you mind? A voice bellowed from one

1380
01:39:21.079 --> 01:39:25.800
of the stalls. Some of us are concentrating. There's an emergency,

1381
01:39:25.880 --> 01:39:30.920
Rebecca shouted, Do you have a phone? Obviously, the toilet flushed.

1382
01:39:31.560 --> 01:39:34.239
What else do people do on the toilet? The door

1383
01:39:34.319 --> 01:39:36.359
swung open, and a middle aged man in a power

1384
01:39:36.439 --> 01:39:39.760
ranger's costume stepped out, adjusting the bulge in his crotch.

1385
01:39:40.680 --> 01:39:44.000
Don't worry, miss, It's a sock, not a chubby, he

1386
01:39:44.079 --> 01:39:49.000
informed Rebecca. Spandex isn't the most flattering fabric. Got a

1387
01:39:49.039 --> 01:39:51.199
beef up the beef bus for all the single moms

1388
01:39:51.199 --> 01:39:54.600
that come through here. Know what I'm saying? Jesus Christ

1389
01:39:54.760 --> 01:39:59.359
mutants inside and out. Rebecca grumbled, You've got some mighty

1390
01:39:59.399 --> 01:40:02.359
fine jette. The old man told her. Wouldn't have any

1391
01:40:02.359 --> 01:40:05.840
single mom swinging in your family tree. Would you listen,

1392
01:40:05.880 --> 01:40:08.760
Harvey Weinstein, people are getting killed outside and we need

1393
01:40:08.760 --> 01:40:12.520
to call for help, she blurted. Hell, I was just

1394
01:40:12.640 --> 01:40:15.880
joking about the phone, he said. They make us lock

1395
01:40:15.920 --> 01:40:18.840
them up at the start of each shift. Bryce pointed

1396
01:40:18.880 --> 01:40:22.119
to the plastic card dangling around the man's neck. You're

1397
01:40:22.159 --> 01:40:26.319
an employee. Who else wears a costume to a water park?

1398
01:40:26.800 --> 01:40:31.720
He chuckled, Name's flint flint Stone, you can shitcan the jokes.

1399
01:40:31.760 --> 01:40:34.439
I've heard them all my life. Then you can get

1400
01:40:34.479 --> 01:40:38.000
us to an office a guard shack. Bryce stammered, I

1401
01:40:38.000 --> 01:40:41.960
don't care where, just somewhere with a phone. That's cute, kid,

1402
01:40:42.279 --> 01:40:44.960
Flint told him, I'm not taking you anywhere to make

1403
01:40:44.960 --> 01:40:47.880
a prank call to the police about monsters eating people.

1404
01:40:48.920 --> 01:40:53.800
Can't you hear the screams, Rebecca questioned, people are always screaming.

1405
01:40:53.840 --> 01:40:58.039
It's an amusement park factor in board staffers in spooky costumes,

1406
01:40:58.039 --> 01:41:01.680
and they'll do it more so, Frank, miss it sounds

1407
01:41:01.720 --> 01:41:05.640
like a Tuesday. The door exploded inward, shattering from the

1408
01:41:05.640 --> 01:41:07.880
force of the blow. Before the hinges could swing it

1409
01:41:07.920 --> 01:41:11.319
open safely, a man rolled across the tile and came

1410
01:41:11.359 --> 01:41:14.760
to a stop on all fours. The white digits wriggled

1411
01:41:14.760 --> 01:41:19.760
from his back like thick sentient hairs. Purple drool trickled

1412
01:41:19.800 --> 01:41:22.560
from the corner of his mouth, forming a puddle beside

1413
01:41:22.600 --> 01:41:27.079
his head. A tooth dropped into the saliva, followed by

1414
01:41:27.119 --> 01:41:33.000
another and another. Brown anorexic serpents slithered from the empty

1415
01:41:33.079 --> 01:41:35.880
sockets of his gums, stretching two feet in front of him.

1416
01:41:36.439 --> 01:41:39.760
Mandibles unfurled from the sides of each creature's head and

1417
01:41:40.000 --> 01:41:45.199
snipped at the air. Flint backed away slowly. His boots

1418
01:41:45.239 --> 01:41:48.199
squeaked on the damp tile, drawing a hiss from the

1419
01:41:48.199 --> 01:41:52.920
throat slit of the mutant. The three oversized worms lunged forward.

1420
01:41:53.159 --> 01:41:56.560
Their motion tugged the man thing forward as they followed

1421
01:41:56.560 --> 01:42:00.159
the sound of Flint's retreat. The infected man sprang up

1422
01:42:00.159 --> 01:42:03.239
and dashed across the bathroom. Bryce stuck out his foot

1423
01:42:03.279 --> 01:42:05.960
and tripped the creature. It toppled to the floor and

1424
01:42:06.079 --> 01:42:09.239
slid closer to Flint. The mandibles hooked into his thigh

1425
01:42:09.279 --> 01:42:11.479
and he let out a shrill squeal before kicking the

1426
01:42:11.479 --> 01:42:15.520
man's jaws shut on the bizarre appendages. They released their

1427
01:42:15.560 --> 01:42:19.600
prey and shot backwards. Flint leaped into the air and

1428
01:42:19.640 --> 01:42:22.520
came down on the man's back with both feet. The

1429
01:42:22.560 --> 01:42:25.800
black talons speared at the white leather boots with sewing

1430
01:42:25.840 --> 01:42:29.560
machine quickness. Flint pushed off, rolling across the floor and

1431
01:42:29.600 --> 01:42:32.640
away from the failed counter attack. He dipped into the

1432
01:42:32.680 --> 01:42:34.239
stall and shut the door.

1433
01:42:36.600 --> 01:42:40.800
More scares to come, weekly, Spooky, We'll be right.

1434
01:42:40.560 --> 01:42:49.039
Back, seriously, Rebecca shouted after him. Bryce hefted the rubber

1435
01:42:49.079 --> 01:42:52.239
trash can overhead and tossed it at the creature. It

1436
01:42:52.359 --> 01:42:56.600
bounced off harmlessly. Rebecca looked around for something more effective.

1437
01:42:57.119 --> 01:43:00.239
When the creature jumped to its feet, the throats flit

1438
01:43:00.399 --> 01:43:04.800
spread wide and gurgled a threat. The stall door banged open,

1439
01:43:04.840 --> 01:43:07.279
and Flint rushed toward the creature and bashed it across

1440
01:43:07.359 --> 01:43:09.760
the back of the head with a green bucket. A

1441
01:43:09.880 --> 01:43:12.880
follow up shot sent it careening into a mirror. The

1442
01:43:12.960 --> 01:43:15.600
glass fell into the sink and clattered to the floor.

1443
01:43:16.159 --> 01:43:19.720
The makeshift weapon flipped open and Flint swung it upward

1444
01:43:19.760 --> 01:43:23.600
in a single deft motion. It wasn't a bucket, but

1445
01:43:23.720 --> 01:43:27.439
the helmet to his costume. He clicked the latches in place.

1446
01:43:28.279 --> 01:43:31.439
Can't go into battle without my armor, Flint muttered and

1447
01:43:31.520 --> 01:43:34.840
dipped under an attack from the mouth tentacles. His gloved

1448
01:43:34.840 --> 01:43:36.920
fingers found a piece of glass in the sink. A

1449
01:43:36.960 --> 01:43:39.840
moment before the man thing's hand closed around his neck.

1450
01:43:40.199 --> 01:43:43.239
A talon clicked against the plastic helmet and drew back

1451
01:43:43.279 --> 01:43:46.079
for another try. Bryce placed his foot on the wall

1452
01:43:46.239 --> 01:43:49.319
and tore the paper towel dispenser free. The creature turned

1453
01:43:49.319 --> 01:43:51.920
its attention to the sudden commotion long enough for Flint

1454
01:43:51.960 --> 01:43:55.319
to drive the shive into its torso. The chest wounds

1455
01:43:55.319 --> 01:43:58.439
sputtered as the obsolete lungs drained of air. The mouth

1456
01:43:58.479 --> 01:44:02.199
tentacles reared back and struck at the helmet. Flint thrust

1457
01:44:02.199 --> 01:44:05.000
the glass dagger into the man's abdomen and slit him

1458
01:44:05.000 --> 01:44:08.520
from hip to hip. Intestines unspooled from the wound and

1459
01:44:08.640 --> 01:44:13.439
piled at Flint's feet, and then something else plopped into

1460
01:44:13.479 --> 01:44:17.760
the viscera. The former person collapsed in a heap. As

1461
01:44:17.880 --> 01:44:22.439
the thing evacuated the host body. The two foot long

1462
01:44:22.560 --> 01:44:26.439
slug latched onto the toe of his boot and slurped loudly.

1463
01:44:26.920 --> 01:44:30.640
Flint sprang up and sat on the sink. The radula

1464
01:44:30.720 --> 01:44:33.800
darted from the mollusk's mouth like a harpoon. Its serrated

1465
01:44:33.840 --> 01:44:37.239
teeth scraped across the porcelain and slashed side to side

1466
01:44:37.560 --> 01:44:41.279
for tender flesh. Rebecca slid across the floor like she

1467
01:44:41.319 --> 01:44:43.720
was stealing home, and kicked the slug against the wall.

1468
01:44:44.239 --> 01:44:46.479
She tried to stand, only to slip in the thick

1469
01:44:46.560 --> 01:44:50.039
layer of mucus clinging to her bare feet. Bryce ran

1470
01:44:50.119 --> 01:44:52.840
forward and jumped over the discarded carcass. He swung the

1471
01:44:52.840 --> 01:44:55.359
paper towel dispenser under his knees and landed on the

1472
01:44:55.399 --> 01:44:59.199
strange entity. A bright spray of yellow and magenta gushed

1473
01:44:59.239 --> 01:45:03.359
across the floor to signal his success. Flint pushed off

1474
01:45:03.399 --> 01:45:07.479
the sink and helped Rebecca balance herself. Hug just air Sabota.

1475
01:45:07.560 --> 01:45:13.359
Goddamn space booker, He shouted, It's a snail, Rebecca corrected him.

1476
01:45:13.720 --> 01:45:17.479
Still look like a Tuesday to you. Snails have shells,

1477
01:45:17.880 --> 01:45:21.439
Bryce said, between gags, what do you think that was?

1478
01:45:21.880 --> 01:45:24.960
Rebecca pointed at the dead body. They got in the

1479
01:45:25.000 --> 01:45:31.279
water into the pumpkin king wear their shells now. Flint

1480
01:45:31.319 --> 01:45:35.319
shifted his visored gaze between the teens. I don't follow.

1481
01:45:36.000 --> 01:45:39.600
How'd a bunch of those things go unnoticed? Maybe whatever

1482
01:45:39.640 --> 01:45:43.000
that purple shit was made them grow faster. Bryce threw

1483
01:45:43.000 --> 01:45:46.319
his hands into the air. What's it matter it drooled

1484
01:45:46.319 --> 01:45:50.039
purple too. Rebecca shook her head. These things might be

1485
01:45:50.119 --> 01:45:53.800
able to infect others by attacking them. We can't let

1486
01:45:53.800 --> 01:45:58.199
them out of splash town. Snails move slow, Flint said,

1487
01:45:58.760 --> 01:46:02.640
like goddamn hobbits, trecking to mordor slow. We've got time,

1488
01:46:03.520 --> 01:46:08.880
if you've got a plan that is salt, Bryce suggested,

1489
01:46:09.720 --> 01:46:11.600
we'd need a lot of it, not to mention a

1490
01:46:11.600 --> 01:46:15.560
way to disperse it. Check and check, Flint put a

1491
01:46:15.560 --> 01:46:18.319
hand on each of their shoulders. You can't see it

1492
01:46:18.359 --> 01:46:22.520
behind this totally bitchin and officially licensed replica helmet. But

1493
01:46:22.600 --> 01:46:26.399
I'm smiling bigger than shit right now. Rebecca turned to

1494
01:46:26.439 --> 01:46:32.000
the door. Well then, let's yaba daba do this, Flint groaned.

1495
01:46:32.840 --> 01:46:39.359
You just had to fucking say it, didn't you. This

1496
01:46:39.600 --> 01:46:43.920
is not a plan, Bryce shouted. Creatures hissed and shrieked

1497
01:46:43.920 --> 01:46:47.439
in hot pursuit of the six wheeled ATV. Designed for utility,

1498
01:46:47.800 --> 01:46:51.399
not recreation, the vehicle was barely keeping its lead under

1499
01:46:51.439 --> 01:46:54.359
the weight of its cargo. If there's one thing Texans

1500
01:46:54.399 --> 01:46:58.880
don't fear, it's a high cholesterol diet. Pretzels, fries, burgers,

1501
01:46:58.880 --> 01:47:02.439
homemade chips, popcorn, tater rounds, fresh roasted peanuts, nachos, and

1502
01:47:02.439 --> 01:47:05.520
onion rings were available at each of the eighteen concession stands,

1503
01:47:05.760 --> 01:47:10.279
which is precisely why Splashtown bought salt in fifty pounds sacks.

1504
01:47:11.039 --> 01:47:14.479
It's working like a plan, Flint yelled back. One of

1505
01:47:14.479 --> 01:47:18.119
the mutants lunged onto the purely cosmetic brushguard of the ATV.

1506
01:47:18.720 --> 01:47:21.960
The mouthworms snapped at Flint's face. He seized one of

1507
01:47:21.960 --> 01:47:24.520
them and jerked down, bouncing the creature's face off the

1508
01:47:24.520 --> 01:47:27.439
hood and sending it back to the cobblestone path, where

1509
01:47:27.479 --> 01:47:31.199
the tires rolled over it. What exactly do you do here?

1510
01:47:32.039 --> 01:47:34.720
Supposed to be helping on the pumpkin king good thing?

1511
01:47:34.720 --> 01:47:37.439
I ate pizza heroes last night. If I hadn't had

1512
01:47:37.479 --> 01:47:40.119
the shits, the lines would have been moving faster and

1513
01:47:40.199 --> 01:47:43.399
you'd be a hobo murder slugs new tenement. Thank you

1514
01:47:43.520 --> 01:47:48.399
for your poor dietary choices, hopefully your girlfriend's imposition. She's

1515
01:47:48.439 --> 01:47:51.920
not my girlfriend, Bryce corrected him. Son, you're about to

1516
01:47:51.960 --> 01:47:55.439
save the entire state from Satan's s car go. Flint

1517
01:47:55.439 --> 01:47:57.680
punched him in the arm. Soon as we kill these

1518
01:47:57.760 --> 01:48:00.399
jiz drooling sons of bitches, she'll be all over you.

1519
01:48:00.479 --> 01:48:03.920
Like imitation cheese sauce on a corn chip. You should

1520
01:48:03.920 --> 01:48:07.760
consider writing poetry. Roses are red, violets are blue. I

1521
01:48:07.800 --> 01:48:11.520
get carpal tunnel thinking of you, Flint laughed. There's one

1522
01:48:11.520 --> 01:48:13.000
for you to use when you ask her to make

1523
01:48:13.000 --> 01:48:16.239
it official. Later, Rebecca waved at them from a tower

1524
01:48:16.319 --> 01:48:19.800
high above the path. Flint bleaped the horn three times

1525
01:48:19.800 --> 01:48:22.199
to signal her to go. She stepped out of the

1526
01:48:22.239 --> 01:48:24.439
tower and rode the zip line across the way to

1527
01:48:24.479 --> 01:48:27.680
the platform over tsunami falls. She grabbed the bullhorn from

1528
01:48:27.720 --> 01:48:30.720
the hook next to the lifeguard station and squeezed the trigger.

1529
01:48:30.960 --> 01:48:34.880
Hey over here, Her voice bellowed, across the park, can

1530
01:48:35.079 --> 01:48:38.560
get me. Several mutants clamored through the pool below and

1531
01:48:38.680 --> 01:48:41.520
slipped about in a vain attempt to scale the curly

1532
01:48:41.600 --> 01:48:45.520
slides leading up to her. She smiled down at them.

1533
01:48:45.760 --> 01:48:50.479
Her plan was working complex alien biology aside, they were

1534
01:48:50.520 --> 01:48:54.479
still powered by primitive ganglia clusters. She needed as many

1535
01:48:54.560 --> 01:48:57.760
of the stupid mutants coming after her as possible. She

1536
01:48:57.880 --> 01:49:00.800
pressed the button on the bullhorn to set off a

1537
01:49:00.920 --> 01:49:04.960
use space snel. Dickheads hear that, She called out, that's

1538
01:49:05.000 --> 01:49:05.640
the dinner bell.

1539
01:49:05.840 --> 01:49:06.880
What are you waiting for?

1540
01:49:07.399 --> 01:49:11.880
Apparently just that very thing. The creatures broke from their

1541
01:49:11.920 --> 01:49:16.079
pursuit of the ATV and rushed toward Rebecca's diversion. Flint

1542
01:49:16.079 --> 01:49:18.920
whipped around the corner, putting the ATV on three wheels

1543
01:49:18.920 --> 01:49:21.840
before it rocked back down to safety. A wall of

1544
01:49:21.920 --> 01:49:25.680
mutants converged on their path, some more changed than others.

1545
01:49:26.039 --> 01:49:30.600
Mouth tentacles flailed in anticipation of the fight. I'll meet

1546
01:49:30.600 --> 01:49:34.119
you at the water treatment station. Take the wheel. Flint

1547
01:49:34.119 --> 01:49:36.520
didn't wait for Bryce to listen. He rolled out of

1548
01:49:36.560 --> 01:49:39.600
his seat and toppled across the path. He groaned and

1549
01:49:39.640 --> 01:49:42.960
tried to ignore the bone sticking out of his forearm.

1550
01:49:43.359 --> 01:49:49.640
It looked a lot easier in the movies. This is

1551
01:49:49.680 --> 01:49:54.520
what we get for using civilian contractors. General Wade Cisco

1552
01:49:54.680 --> 01:49:57.359
pinched the bridge of his nose. Do we know the

1553
01:49:57.399 --> 01:50:01.560
location of the samples? Captain Harmon leaned a curvy hip

1554
01:50:01.560 --> 01:50:04.520
on the plastic blue drums they'd been shipped by mistake,

1555
01:50:04.880 --> 01:50:10.840
and nodded slowly. Fuck Cisco sighed, how bad is it?

1556
01:50:11.720 --> 01:50:15.039
She waved for the General to follow her. They navigated

1557
01:50:15.079 --> 01:50:18.760
the winding corridor to the elevator, an in turn, mixed

1558
01:50:18.800 --> 01:50:23.840
up the shipping instructions. We got water treatment chemicals, Del

1559
01:50:23.880 --> 01:50:26.600
Carmen said, with a voice too sweet for her skill set.

1560
01:50:27.319 --> 01:50:30.640
The Argos samples went to a water park in eastern Texas.

1561
01:50:31.039 --> 01:50:33.840
The elevator door hissed open in a room full of

1562
01:50:33.880 --> 01:50:37.039
computer stations and one wall to wall screen showing a

1563
01:50:37.079 --> 01:50:42.520
live satellite feed of Splash Town. Mutated guests ran down victims,

1564
01:50:42.760 --> 01:50:46.399
small fires, burned corpses twitched to life as the parasitic

1565
01:50:46.479 --> 01:50:51.199
mollusks burrowed into their brains and took control of the flesh.

1566
01:50:51.560 --> 01:50:56.720
Do we have options, Cisco asked, Nuclear and conventional? The

1567
01:50:56.760 --> 01:51:00.520
captain stated bluntly, retrieval is out of the question. Point

1568
01:51:00.680 --> 01:51:03.960
the sight and samples are lost. We only need one,

1569
01:51:04.520 --> 01:51:07.359
Cisco reminded her. I want a team in there to

1570
01:51:07.399 --> 01:51:09.880
snatch one of those things. Have our people cook a

1571
01:51:09.920 --> 01:51:14.119
story about a chemical spill? Yes, Sir del Carmen said,

1572
01:51:14.239 --> 01:51:18.960
aren't we forgetting about the big one? Sir oh him?

1573
01:51:19.920 --> 01:51:24.119
Cisco swallowed hard scratch the retrieval burn the whole sight.

1574
01:51:27.800 --> 01:51:30.359
Flint spotted a salt sack that had fallen when the

1575
01:51:30.399 --> 01:51:33.720
ATV tipped and darted for it. He tore the bag open.

1576
01:51:33.760 --> 01:51:36.720
As the horde charged closer, he tossed a handful of

1577
01:51:36.760 --> 01:51:39.840
salt at the nearest one. It plowed into him, driving

1578
01:51:39.920 --> 01:51:42.439
him to the ground. The human host was protecting the

1579
01:51:42.479 --> 01:51:45.800
snail inside from the salt. Flint clutched the mutant by

1580
01:51:45.840 --> 01:51:49.600
the chin, pushing the snapping tentacles away. The throat slit

1581
01:51:49.800 --> 01:51:53.279
hissed and chewed the air. Flint gritted his teeth and

1582
01:51:53.399 --> 01:51:56.079
used the bone protruding from his arm to stab into

1583
01:51:56.079 --> 01:51:59.720
the creature's chest, aiming for the slug inside. A magenta

1584
01:52:00.279 --> 01:52:03.520
let him know he'd found it. He stabbed it again.

1585
01:52:03.960 --> 01:52:07.199
The corpse went limp, pinning him to the path. He

1586
01:52:07.279 --> 01:52:10.359
felt the stick of black spines going into his legs.

1587
01:52:11.399 --> 01:52:16.119
The world became a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors. The

1588
01:52:16.199 --> 01:52:20.479
ground swayed beneath him like a gentle current. Pain drifted

1589
01:52:20.520 --> 01:52:25.279
away from his wounds, and he giggled softly. Sons of

1590
01:52:25.319 --> 01:52:29.319
bitches brought the good stuff to the party, Flint said, quietly.

1591
01:52:30.359 --> 01:52:34.800
You guys are swell. A small mutant with auburn pigtails

1592
01:52:34.840 --> 01:52:37.600
tore Flint's arm off at the elbow and shoved the

1593
01:52:37.680 --> 01:52:41.840
nub to her throat slit. This is better than ozfest,

1594
01:52:42.399 --> 01:52:51.920
Flint snorted, Just swell. The mutants clamored over their own,

1595
01:52:52.079 --> 01:52:55.079
building a meaty ladder off of each other's failed attempts

1596
01:52:55.079 --> 01:52:58.560
at ascending the water slides to get to Rebecca. Her

1597
01:52:58.600 --> 01:53:03.119
plan was working too well. She scurried down the ladder

1598
01:53:03.119 --> 01:53:06.000
into the tiny chamber where the staff entered the ride

1599
01:53:06.479 --> 01:53:10.039
and cracked the door open. The area behind the ride

1600
01:53:10.079 --> 01:53:13.119
looked clear, and she bolted across the grass to hide

1601
01:53:13.119 --> 01:53:16.319
behind a fish shaped fountain, spewing violet water from its

1602
01:53:16.399 --> 01:53:23.239
puckered lips. Then something caught her eye the clear path

1603
01:53:23.840 --> 01:53:31.640
to the front gate. Bryce aimed the ATV at the

1604
01:53:31.720 --> 01:53:35.159
roll up door and floored the accelerator. The little green

1605
01:53:35.239 --> 01:53:38.279
vehicle bounced off the door with a bang, and Bryce's

1606
01:53:38.279 --> 01:53:42.760
face whipped into the steering wheel. Shit He slid out

1607
01:53:42.800 --> 01:53:45.159
of his seat with a groan. He made his way

1608
01:53:45.199 --> 01:53:48.039
inside and opened the bay door that rolled up noisily

1609
01:53:48.119 --> 01:53:51.479
thanks to the massive dent he'd added to it. He

1610
01:53:51.560 --> 01:53:53.840
looked around for a trolley to load the bags on.

1611
01:53:54.399 --> 01:53:57.560
An empty pallet sat unsafely on a jack in the corner,

1612
01:53:57.560 --> 01:53:59.800
and he ran for it, quickly wheeling it back to

1613
01:53:59.800 --> 01:54:03.239
the ATV and offloading the salt. He looked around for

1614
01:54:03.319 --> 01:54:06.479
flint and cursed he didn't know anything about the water

1615
01:54:06.560 --> 01:54:09.880
treatment system or where to find it. He scanned the

1616
01:54:09.920 --> 01:54:12.439
large room and spotted a yellow sign shaped like an

1617
01:54:12.560 --> 01:54:17.199
arrow in black letters water treatment. Bryce ran toward it,

1618
01:54:17.479 --> 01:54:20.439
tugging the pallette jack behind him. He told himself he'd

1619
01:54:20.439 --> 01:54:22.159
be able to figure it all out, and then the

1620
01:54:22.239 --> 01:54:25.640
monsters would die, Texas would be saved, and Rebecca would

1621
01:54:25.680 --> 01:54:28.520
throw herself into his arms. It was all going to

1622
01:54:28.600 --> 01:54:36.079
work out perfectly. Rebecca crept through the shadow of the

1623
01:54:36.119 --> 01:54:40.159
nearest concession stand. Fifty yards of mutant free grass were

1624
01:54:40.199 --> 01:54:44.159
all that separated her from a safe getaway. Something moved

1625
01:54:44.199 --> 01:54:47.600
in the corner of her eye. A thin black post

1626
01:54:47.640 --> 01:54:51.760
pushed up from the ground. You've gotta be fucking kidding me,

1627
01:54:52.399 --> 01:54:55.119
she shot from her hiding place. As the sprinklers kicked on,

1628
01:54:55.520 --> 01:54:58.920
she zigzagged between them back onto the walkway. Her legs

1629
01:54:58.960 --> 01:55:02.319
burned with effort. Rocks cut into her bare feet. She

1630
01:55:02.359 --> 01:55:05.359
couldn't stop running. A body twitched along the path and

1631
01:55:05.399 --> 01:55:08.680
sat upright. Rebecca kept running, cutting away from the thing's

1632
01:55:08.720 --> 01:55:12.399
desperate lunge to seize her legs. She hurtled the turnstile.

1633
01:55:12.399 --> 01:55:14.640
Her ankle twisted on the landing, and she fell on

1634
01:55:14.720 --> 01:55:17.760
her face. She groaned and wiped the blood away from

1635
01:55:17.760 --> 01:55:20.720
her lip. She gazed down at the crimson smear along

1636
01:55:20.760 --> 01:55:23.720
the back of her hand. Her eyes shifted to the

1637
01:55:23.720 --> 01:55:28.119
purple tinged water droplet rolling down her arm. She sniffled

1638
01:55:28.359 --> 01:55:32.000
and shook her head. It's just a drop, she stood up.

1639
01:55:32.359 --> 01:55:35.960
It takes more than a drop. Rebecca started running again.

1640
01:55:36.439 --> 01:55:39.359
The old War Highway was only a mile away. She

1641
01:55:39.399 --> 01:55:42.520
could find a ride away from the nightmare. There she

1642
01:55:42.560 --> 01:55:49.399
would be home by dawn. Bryce's feet shuffled in the

1643
01:55:49.439 --> 01:55:52.479
thick trail of slime. The jack bumped him from behind,

1644
01:55:52.560 --> 01:55:55.960
pushing him into a vertical water pipe. A deep, moist

1645
01:55:56.119 --> 01:56:00.880
laughter resonated from the shadows. Glowing orbs angled toward him

1646
01:56:00.920 --> 01:56:05.199
in the darkness, and the things slithered forward. People in

1647
01:56:05.279 --> 01:56:09.640
maintenance coveralls lined the monstrous snail's undulating body, held tight

1648
01:56:09.680 --> 01:56:13.600
to its flesh by hardened strands of mucus. Their flesh

1649
01:56:13.680 --> 01:56:16.720
writhed with hundreds of the white tube worms flicking their

1650
01:56:16.760 --> 01:56:20.720
talons in and out. Bryce lunged for a sack and

1651
01:56:20.800 --> 01:56:23.600
tore it open, pouring a line of salt between him

1652
01:56:23.680 --> 01:56:28.159
and the suv sized hell snail. Get back, you ugly fuck,

1653
01:56:28.920 --> 01:56:35.560
he warned, Oh or what it said in a sticky hiss,

1654
01:56:36.239 --> 01:56:42.439
Will you assault me? The snail attempted to laugh again.

1655
01:56:43.840 --> 01:56:47.720
This shit keeps getting weirder. Bryce scooped a handful of

1656
01:56:47.800 --> 01:56:52.880
salt and cocked his arm back last warning, I fear

1657
01:56:53.000 --> 01:56:58.239
not morsel. The behemoth slithered forward, inching closer to the

1658
01:56:58.239 --> 01:57:05.479
saline barrier. You fight tasty meat in a fighter. The

1659
01:57:05.560 --> 01:57:09.000
monstrous mollusk speared its ragula over the line and pierced

1660
01:57:09.000 --> 01:57:12.800
Bryce's shoulder. The teen screamed and collapsed onto the palate.

1661
01:57:14.199 --> 01:57:19.600
Tasty meat, indeed. Bryce clutched the wound, watching his own

1662
01:57:19.640 --> 01:57:24.279
blood spurt between his fingers. He remembered enough from biology

1663
01:57:24.319 --> 01:57:28.039
class to know the brachial artery was severed. He was

1664
01:57:28.079 --> 01:57:32.960
a goner. You wanna taste a fighter? Bryce rolled over

1665
01:57:33.000 --> 01:57:36.079
and pressed his gory hands into the salt. Let me

1666
01:57:36.279 --> 01:57:41.279
just season your meal first. The snail overlord stretched its

1667
01:57:41.319 --> 01:57:44.279
head across the line, letting the tip of the radula

1668
01:57:44.359 --> 01:57:48.359
wrap around Bryce's ankle. It tugged the teen closer. He

1669
01:57:48.479 --> 01:57:51.720
rolled and punched the organ. The snail whipped back its head,

1670
01:57:51.920 --> 01:57:55.960
slinging the radula side to side. Violet drool splattered Bryce

1671
01:57:56.000 --> 01:58:01.119
as it roared angrily. Your motherfuck's garden gnomes. Bryce lunged forward,

1672
01:58:01.119 --> 01:58:03.640
punching the beast in the gaps of its cadaver shell.

1673
01:58:03.960 --> 01:58:06.880
The mucus glazed tissue shriveled and bubbled in the wake

1674
01:58:06.920 --> 01:58:09.920
of the boy's salted knuckles. He jumped up and struck

1675
01:58:09.920 --> 01:58:12.840
a blow against one of the beast's googly eyes, rupturing

1676
01:58:12.880 --> 01:58:16.279
the orb in a shower of goo. The monster headbutted

1677
01:58:16.359 --> 01:58:23.560
him to the floor valorous effort. More so, the snail said,

1678
01:58:23.720 --> 01:58:30.039
in a pained slur, but you have failed. They both

1679
01:58:30.119 --> 01:58:33.439
cocked their heads at the sudden piercing whistle coming from

1680
01:58:33.520 --> 01:58:40.119
high above. Rebecca Angle watched the ground sail beneath her

1681
01:58:40.399 --> 01:58:44.000
and then toppled through the muddy field. She groaned with

1682
01:58:44.079 --> 01:58:46.920
pain as she sat down and tried to orient herself.

1683
01:58:47.479 --> 01:58:51.600
A fiery pillar rose where Splashtown used to be. She

1684
01:58:51.760 --> 01:58:54.640
hadn't even heard the explosion when the shockwave caught up

1685
01:58:54.680 --> 01:58:58.279
with her and launched her far far from the nightmare.

1686
01:59:00.239 --> 01:59:05.920
Everything was gone, All the monsters were dead, so was Bryce.

1687
01:59:06.920 --> 01:59:09.600
She'd wanted to tell him how much she liked him

1688
01:59:10.039 --> 01:59:12.960
ever since they shared a moonpie at recess in the

1689
01:59:13.000 --> 01:59:18.960
third grade, but she was always too chicken. He died

1690
01:59:19.079 --> 01:59:22.039
trying to save her and the rest of the world

1691
01:59:22.479 --> 01:59:28.560
from the murderous mollusks. At least that much happened. We're

1692
01:59:28.600 --> 01:59:36.199
all safe now, Bryce, we won. It's over, Rebecca said softly,

1693
01:59:36.920 --> 01:59:49.840
and scratched at a stinging spot on her arm.

1694
01:59:49.960 --> 01:59:55.159
Halloween nineteen eighty six, six six by Dan Wilder?

1695
01:59:55.880 --> 01:59:58.520
Are you sure this is going to work? I can't

1696
01:59:58.520 --> 02:00:04.479
believe this fool. I'm fucking unemployed, dateless eighteen and working

1697
02:00:04.520 --> 02:00:08.239
a spell more than two thousand years old on Halloween

1698
02:00:08.640 --> 02:00:13.399
in the dark in a graveyard. Damn. If this crap

1699
02:00:13.439 --> 02:00:15.399
got any more cliche, I would have flown in here

1700
02:00:15.399 --> 02:00:18.840
in a sopwell camel while my pals bob for apples

1701
02:00:18.840 --> 02:00:22.760
and picked on a kid with obvious alopecia issues. Don't

1702
02:00:22.800 --> 02:00:25.680
you think she'll be all hot with a big old

1703
02:00:25.720 --> 02:00:34.960
set of boobs? How did I end up here? October

1704
02:00:35.000 --> 02:00:40.319
thirty first, nineteen eighty six started well enough. Halloween fell

1705
02:00:40.359 --> 02:00:42.600
on a Friday, which meant that in the past we

1706
02:00:42.600 --> 02:00:45.279
would all rush home from school in the already fading

1707
02:00:45.359 --> 02:00:48.520
daylight and either throw on a store bought number or

1708
02:00:49.159 --> 02:00:52.880
a homemade concoction most likely thought up that day in

1709
02:00:52.920 --> 02:00:56.199
one class or another and drawn in ballpoint in our

1710
02:00:56.279 --> 02:01:00.680
well illustrated notebooks that served as impromptu art galleries and

1711
02:01:00.800 --> 02:01:05.239
occasionally as a method for taking notes, then had out

1712
02:01:05.279 --> 02:01:08.600
in those mean, small town streets until we were loaded

1713
02:01:08.640 --> 02:01:12.119
down with enough candy to ensure our lives as future

1714
02:01:12.119 --> 02:01:16.079
diabetes sufferers, with a whole weekend to utilize as a

1715
02:01:16.119 --> 02:01:22.279
recovery from our night of unspeakable corn syrup drenched darkness. Anyway,

1716
02:01:23.000 --> 02:01:26.880
all of that happened for seventeen years, with more of

1717
02:01:26.920 --> 02:01:31.439
our friends bailing with each passing year. And this this

1718
02:01:31.720 --> 02:01:36.520
was to be our Soween swan song. The sun hung

1719
02:01:36.640 --> 02:01:40.239
low and swollen when my best friend Ace, well, his

1720
02:01:40.399 --> 02:01:43.479
name was Ricky, but he looked like Ace Freely formerly

1721
02:01:43.520 --> 02:01:48.119
of Kiss, all gangly energy and long straight hair, and

1722
02:01:48.199 --> 02:01:50.960
I headed out into the cold dusk to collect our

1723
02:01:51.039 --> 02:01:55.039
saccharin tithe. I was dressed as Brett Michaels from the

1724
02:01:55.119 --> 02:01:58.560
new band on the scene, Poison, and Ace was dressed

1725
02:01:58.560 --> 02:02:03.680
as Gene Simmons from Kiss that Ace always one to

1726
02:02:03.680 --> 02:02:09.600
defy expectations. So long story short, our haul was kind

1727
02:02:09.640 --> 02:02:13.680
of lame, full of bullshit like mallow cups and pennies

1728
02:02:13.720 --> 02:02:17.000
in a baggy and a deficit of miniature name brand

1729
02:02:17.079 --> 02:02:22.279
candy bars and Reese's cups. Plus it started to snow. Yeah,

1730
02:02:22.279 --> 02:02:26.640
it snows here a fucking lot, and early too, and

1731
02:02:26.720 --> 02:02:30.039
when temps drop and quality sugar is in short supply,

1732
02:02:30.239 --> 02:02:33.840
there was only one solace a young wanderer could seek

1733
02:02:35.000 --> 02:02:39.119
woods porn. Ace queried, as if reading my mind. I

1734
02:02:39.199 --> 02:02:42.520
exhaled a long trail of visible breath into the rapidly

1735
02:02:42.600 --> 02:02:49.239
cooling night woods porn. I nodded stoically. Now, wait, some

1736
02:02:49.279 --> 02:02:51.680
of you city folk may not be acquainted with a

1737
02:02:51.760 --> 02:02:56.760
rural kid's main source of sex education, namely a pornomag

1738
02:02:56.840 --> 02:02:59.560
stuck under a rock in a nearby forest used by

1739
02:03:00.119 --> 02:03:05.079
any number of neighborhood horn dogs for unspeakable deeds. And

1740
02:03:05.159 --> 02:03:08.199
we had a real doozy, safely stored under the third

1741
02:03:08.279 --> 02:03:11.680
large rock from the left and barely covered in mold

1742
02:03:11.800 --> 02:03:19.199
worms or spunk. Only problem the magazine wasn't there, but

1743
02:03:19.359 --> 02:03:24.680
a spellbook was. I flipped through that tone while Ace

1744
02:03:24.760 --> 02:03:28.880
bitched that his titty rag was gone. Hey, Ace, I

1745
02:03:28.920 --> 02:03:32.520
think this may be even better than porn, better than porn.

1746
02:03:32.960 --> 02:03:37.760
Are you having a stroke? No? Listen to this. I

1747
02:03:37.840 --> 02:03:40.479
read aloud the parts of the text that were in English.

1748
02:03:41.199 --> 02:03:47.840
Certain words stuck out, sex, witch, resurrection, unspeakable, evil, will

1749
02:03:47.880 --> 02:03:53.479
be unleashed upon all mankind, sex, witch fucking rad Ace

1750
02:03:53.479 --> 02:03:58.680
ejaculated almost literally. It was then, right then that I

1751
02:03:58.720 --> 02:04:01.439
should have just ripped that book to shreds and to

1752
02:04:01.520 --> 02:04:07.760
hell with Ace's libido. But I didn't. I simply fucking didn't.

1753
02:04:08.880 --> 02:04:18.199
I was horny. May my descendants forgive me. The pictures

1754
02:04:18.239 --> 02:04:20.479
in the book indicated we'd need to be in a

1755
02:04:20.520 --> 02:04:27.239
graveyard and acquire a few supplies, mostly simple herbs, spices,

1756
02:04:27.479 --> 02:04:30.279
some virgin blood. Where the hell are we going to

1757
02:04:30.319 --> 02:04:34.800
find virgin's blood? I have no idea, Ace, I'm pretty

1758
02:04:34.800 --> 02:04:37.600
sure these kinds of things were probably easier to come

1759
02:04:37.640 --> 02:04:40.920
by in the old days. Yeah, the ancients never had

1760
02:04:40.920 --> 02:04:44.600
to deal with the liberated eighties woman all in control

1761
02:04:44.680 --> 02:04:49.760
with those sweet sweet shoulder pads. Hmm, are you okay?

1762
02:04:50.439 --> 02:04:53.640
Do you need a minute? My sister? How is that

1763
02:04:53.960 --> 02:04:56.520
any way shape or form the answer to that question?

1764
02:04:57.159 --> 02:05:00.079
My sister, My sister is a virgin? Are you are

1765
02:05:00.119 --> 02:05:07.319
you sure? Have you seen her face? Yeah? It's gorgeous? What? Uh? Nothing?

1766
02:05:07.560 --> 02:05:12.039
I was just fucking around as all good anyway, I

1767
02:05:12.199 --> 02:05:17.560
know she's a virgin. How simple I read her diary? Dude,

1768
02:05:17.800 --> 02:05:22.279
isn't that a bit wrong? Who cares. She writes funny

1769
02:05:22.279 --> 02:05:24.920
ass girl shit in there, including the fact that her

1770
02:05:25.000 --> 02:05:28.960
legs are locked together tighter than a hummingbird's tweet. Why.

1771
02:05:29.920 --> 02:05:33.680
I don't know. She hasn't found her prince charming or something.

1772
02:05:34.439 --> 02:05:39.319
Does she mention me in there anywhere? No? Why the

1773
02:05:39.399 --> 02:05:43.960
hell would she? I don't know. An eligible younger guy

1774
02:05:44.079 --> 02:05:47.439
can be a real enticing thing for a older lady.

1775
02:05:48.319 --> 02:05:53.600
Older lady, she's nineteen whatever, so genius, how are we

1776
02:05:53.680 --> 02:06:01.560
going to obtain her blood? Leave that all to me? Hey, Hannah,

1777
02:06:01.840 --> 02:06:05.560
can Sam use your bathroom? Why? What's wrong with the

1778
02:06:05.600 --> 02:06:09.079
other two? Dad's in one and the toilet's clogged in

1779
02:06:09.119 --> 02:06:13.479
the other one. Hannah scrunched up her face, her angelic

1780
02:06:13.560 --> 02:06:17.760
face in thought. Ace leaned in and offered this wisdom.

1781
02:06:18.640 --> 02:06:20.920
Head straight to the trash can next to the toilet.

1782
02:06:21.359 --> 02:06:25.000
It'll be in there, all ripe for the taking. I nodded.

1783
02:06:25.640 --> 02:06:28.960
Hannah looked me over. Fine, he looks like he has

1784
02:06:29.039 --> 02:06:34.319
okaim a compliment. She actually paid me a compliment. He

1785
02:06:34.399 --> 02:06:39.039
probably sits down to pee anyway. I have a condition

1786
02:06:39.720 --> 02:06:43.439
split stream. It's just easier to sit you shut up

1787
02:06:43.439 --> 02:06:48.880
and go quick. Thanks, I sputtered. I entered her bathroom

1788
02:06:49.119 --> 02:06:54.079
and was immediately overcome. Here was my holy land. I

1789
02:06:54.199 --> 02:06:59.119
cast my eyes around, so many sweet smelling lotions and soaps.

1790
02:07:00.159 --> 02:07:04.239
Finally I saw the goal, the snoopy trash can that

1791
02:07:04.319 --> 02:07:07.359
sat on the tile floor just left of the sink.

1792
02:07:07.920 --> 02:07:12.039
I headed across the cold floor and swallowed hard. There

1793
02:07:12.039 --> 02:07:17.159
it was a simple, discarded MAXI pad. I eyed it

1794
02:07:17.199 --> 02:07:24.600
nervously and made my approach. We reconvened outside. The swollen

1795
02:07:24.680 --> 02:07:27.960
full moon and ever increasing snowfall made the whole scene

1796
02:07:28.039 --> 02:07:32.960
seem surreal. I held aloft that sacred feminine hygiene product.

1797
02:07:33.880 --> 02:07:41.239
Ace beamed, Yes, awesome job, dude, I smiled sheepishly. Thanks.

1798
02:07:45.560 --> 02:07:49.800
The walk to the graveyard was long and quiet, given

1799
02:07:49.880 --> 02:07:52.359
how it was now after nine and trick or treating

1800
02:07:52.439 --> 02:07:57.359
had officially ended. We were two cold lunatics strolling around

1801
02:07:57.359 --> 02:08:01.720
in the snow, heading off to make ourselves a a woman. Yeah.

1802
02:08:02.279 --> 02:08:05.039
Now that I say it back, the whole thing does

1803
02:08:05.119 --> 02:08:09.520
sound ludicrous like an ecy comic mixed with a letter

1804
02:08:09.560 --> 02:08:14.000
to Penthouse Forum as the script. To be honest, I

1805
02:08:14.159 --> 02:08:18.720
literally had nothing else to do. Neither did Ace, well

1806
02:08:19.479 --> 02:08:23.640
maybe Nintendo. The growing wind lashed me in the face

1807
02:08:23.720 --> 02:08:27.520
like a slap from a fist made of frozen pizza roles. Fuck.

1808
02:08:28.159 --> 02:08:31.760
I could be eating pizza roles and playing Nintendo. No

1809
02:08:31.920 --> 02:08:36.119
boob's there, my friend A said quietly. I said that

1810
02:08:36.159 --> 02:08:39.159
out loud. You said a lot of stuff out loud tonight,

1811
02:08:39.239 --> 02:08:42.960
like you're narrating our adventure. It's weird, but it's kind

1812
02:08:42.960 --> 02:08:45.680
of funny, so I figured it's best to keep quiet

1813
02:08:45.720 --> 02:08:49.000
and enjoy the ride. You're a real We're here, Ace

1814
02:08:49.039 --> 02:08:58.479
said happily. The gates to Prospect Hill Cemetery were three things,

1815
02:08:59.199 --> 02:09:07.319
iron locked and very very tall. Four things. What four things?

1816
02:09:08.000 --> 02:09:12.319
It's also decorative and connected to a two foot concrete wall.

1817
02:09:12.800 --> 02:09:15.560
Walk like a foot left and right, and we can

1818
02:09:15.640 --> 02:09:18.439
just hop over and be inside in a jiff. Not

1819
02:09:18.560 --> 02:09:24.680
even a particularly robust leap either, for shit's sake. One

1820
02:09:24.800 --> 02:09:28.880
small leap later, we were traversing that icy necropolis on

1821
02:09:28.960 --> 02:09:33.119
our way to where the fuck are we going? I

1822
02:09:33.199 --> 02:09:37.479
don't know. Cemeteries don't usually have a designated practice black

1823
02:09:37.520 --> 02:09:43.319
magic section. That's true, and a tad passive aggressive. Sorry.

1824
02:09:43.880 --> 02:09:46.640
I was just hoping for more candy and horror flicks

1825
02:09:46.680 --> 02:09:50.640
and less schlepping around in the freezing cold, wandering among

1826
02:09:50.680 --> 02:09:56.640
the tombstones. It's pretty metal, though, Ace offfered. We both laughed,

1827
02:09:57.319 --> 02:10:02.079
you're not wrong. I tripped over it, ancient tombstone. Ace

1828
02:10:02.159 --> 02:10:04.720
extended a hand to help me to my feet and

1829
02:10:04.800 --> 02:10:09.520
glanced at the grave. I had completely decimated. Whoa, this

1830
02:10:09.680 --> 02:10:13.800
chick was eighteen like us when she died. So young,

1831
02:10:14.840 --> 02:10:15.720
that's so sad.

1832
02:10:16.359 --> 02:10:16.439
What?

1833
02:10:17.439 --> 02:10:25.119
No, she was eighteen okay, eighteen three times six three

1834
02:10:25.279 --> 02:10:37.359
sixes oh oh six sixty six. Yeah, after that indisputable

1835
02:10:37.439 --> 02:10:43.159
sign from above, well more below. In this case, we

1836
02:10:43.239 --> 02:10:47.079
got down and dirty with the devil's work. You said

1837
02:10:47.079 --> 02:10:52.199
that out loud, I did. Yeah. Shit, now you got

1838
02:10:52.239 --> 02:10:55.760
me doing it anyway. Ace and I set up our

1839
02:10:55.800 --> 02:10:59.760
eleven herbs and spices, lit a candle, got the spellbook.

1840
02:11:00.279 --> 02:11:06.760
Everything was in order, well almost everything. Get it, dude,

1841
02:11:07.039 --> 02:11:11.960
you get it. She's your sister, gross I suppose you're right.

1842
02:11:12.319 --> 02:11:16.439
I am. Besides, you already touched it, I sighed as

1843
02:11:16.439 --> 02:11:19.880
I reached into my backpack and removed the Maxi pad.

1844
02:11:20.479 --> 02:11:23.279
I held it in my trembling hands and placed it

1845
02:11:23.319 --> 02:11:27.399
on the makeshift altar, wiping my hands and silently apologizing

1846
02:11:27.399 --> 02:11:31.840
to Hannah, his mother, and especially Pap Pap and Mima,

1847
02:11:32.840 --> 02:11:36.600
dear sweet Mima. It took me a few seconds to

1848
02:11:36.680 --> 02:11:41.359
register what happened next. There was an electric pop, then

1849
02:11:41.399 --> 02:11:44.800
a slight plume of lavender smoke wafted into the air,

1850
02:11:45.600 --> 02:11:48.960
after which a crow like out of a post story

1851
02:11:49.479 --> 02:11:54.000
That was a raven. What's the difference? Ravens are bigger

1852
02:11:54.159 --> 02:11:57.319
and their tails are a different shape. How the hell

1853
02:11:57.359 --> 02:12:02.520
do you know this? Ranger? Rick, Ranger, Rick, Yeah, it's

1854
02:12:02.520 --> 02:12:06.920
one of those magazines at every doctor's office, like Highlights, Highlights.

1855
02:12:07.000 --> 02:12:12.399
Now you're talking timber toes, goofis and gallant. Shit. That

1856
02:12:12.520 --> 02:12:16.039
crow just snatched Hannah's Maxi pad and flew off, I

1857
02:12:16.159 --> 02:12:23.239
exhaled dejectedly. You ready to call this one ace? Yeah?

1858
02:12:23.439 --> 02:12:32.319
A shitty send off if you ask me. Yeah, build

1859
02:12:32.439 --> 02:12:40.239
nest use thing humans had taste like blood, blood, bad body, hurt,

1860
02:12:40.840 --> 02:12:44.399
ave setanus.

1861
02:12:48.119 --> 02:12:51.239
Don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app so

1862
02:12:51.359 --> 02:12:54.439
you don't miss any of the spooky on the weekly.

1863
02:13:03.159 --> 02:13:06.319
I sat the plate of pizza rolls down and returned

1864
02:13:06.319 --> 02:13:08.920
to my game. While most of the night had been

1865
02:13:08.960 --> 02:13:13.560
either weird as fuck, disappointing, or an unholy combination of both,

1866
02:13:14.199 --> 02:13:19.119
this was a welcome reprieve. After the ceremonial burning of

1867
02:13:19.159 --> 02:13:22.479
the mouth on the pizza roles, I swore and played

1868
02:13:22.479 --> 02:13:31.000
on tap tap. What in the hell was that? Tap tap?

1869
02:13:32.119 --> 02:13:36.359
I looked around the room, but nothing seemed to miss.

1870
02:13:37.159 --> 02:13:45.079
Tap tap the window. It's coming from the window. I

1871
02:13:45.199 --> 02:13:49.880
crossed the room and stared into the darkness beyond. I

1872
02:13:49.920 --> 02:13:54.319
didn't see jack shit. I wonder if those pizza roles

1873
02:13:54.359 --> 02:13:59.399
have cooled down? Ay, they hadn't. Shit. Now I can't

1874
02:13:59.399 --> 02:14:02.079
stop messing around with the loose dangle of burnt skin

1875
02:14:02.199 --> 02:14:07.600
hanging down from the tender roof of my mouth. Tap tap,

1876
02:14:09.039 --> 02:14:12.640
back to the window, I go. This time, I barely

1877
02:14:12.680 --> 02:14:17.039
caught a glimpse of a porcelain skinned hand. Retreat into

1878
02:14:17.079 --> 02:14:21.039
the darkness after the hole, jump back and hope that

1879
02:14:21.079 --> 02:14:24.760
fart wasn't a shit routine. I scrambled back to the window.

1880
02:14:25.000 --> 02:14:27.279
I pressed my face against the pane in a futile

1881
02:14:27.319 --> 02:14:31.119
attempt to see further into the night. The glass was

1882
02:14:31.159 --> 02:14:37.239
ice cold. The hand that tapped the glass felt even colder.

1883
02:14:43.359 --> 02:14:47.399
For a second, my heart stopped. I cartwheeled around the

1884
02:14:47.439 --> 02:14:50.840
room like a madman, upending everything in my whirlwind. Wake

1885
02:14:51.439 --> 02:14:56.039
the pizza rolls definitely didn't survive. Neither did the can

1886
02:14:56.079 --> 02:14:59.000
of soda that fell onto the video game console, creating

1887
02:14:59.039 --> 02:15:02.680
a massive jolt that traveled along the controller cord, threw

1888
02:15:02.680 --> 02:15:06.800
the buttons and directly onto my bare feet that were

1889
02:15:07.439 --> 02:15:13.079
admittedly a tad damp from piss. Don't judge me, I'm frail.

1890
02:15:14.279 --> 02:15:17.680
Can you keep your private time a tad more private? Dear?

1891
02:15:18.319 --> 02:15:22.159
My mother called up the stairs. Just great, I'm going

1892
02:15:22.199 --> 02:15:24.079
to die and my mother will be left with just

1893
02:15:24.119 --> 02:15:27.399
a memory of her darling offspring, cock in hand, trying

1894
02:15:27.439 --> 02:15:32.000
to beat the devil and losing. Good news. The shock

1895
02:15:32.079 --> 02:15:38.279
restarted my heart. So there's a fucking Halloween miracle. Tap tap,

1896
02:15:39.239 --> 02:15:42.159
Oh shit, I haven't even caught my breath from dying

1897
02:15:42.159 --> 02:15:46.199
the last time. I saw the hand again, but this

1898
02:15:46.319 --> 02:15:55.119
time it didn't retreat. Hello. Hannah came into view, the

1899
02:15:55.199 --> 02:15:58.640
extended hand connected to her alabaster body by an arm

1900
02:15:58.920 --> 02:16:02.880
so delicate it could have been that of an angel itself.

1901
02:16:03.800 --> 02:16:07.600
She was wearing an oversized Kaja Googu T shirt, and

1902
02:16:07.680 --> 02:16:11.359
if the suddenly bright moonlight behind her, illuminating that which

1903
02:16:11.439 --> 02:16:14.079
lurked beneath the smug smile of Limbhaul was to be

1904
02:16:14.119 --> 02:16:24.359
believed absolutely nothing else. Hannah, Yeah, what are you doing

1905
02:16:24.399 --> 02:16:29.600
out there? Trying to get your attention? Well you definitely

1906
02:16:29.600 --> 02:16:33.559
got that. Hannah drew closer to the window, her t

1907
02:16:33.719 --> 02:16:37.239
shirt shifted to reveal more of her perfect shoulders and

1908
02:16:37.360 --> 02:16:41.639
just a pixie's whisper, more cleavage. After seeing you earlier,

1909
02:16:41.719 --> 02:16:46.559
I couldn't get you off my mind. You couldn't. No,

1910
02:16:47.559 --> 02:16:50.639
I'm sorry I made fun of you. Your condition must

1911
02:16:50.719 --> 02:16:53.360
be a heavy cross for you to bear. I mean,

1912
02:16:54.319 --> 02:16:57.920
it's a bit of an inconvenience at times, but it's manageable.

1913
02:16:58.639 --> 02:17:03.159
Look at you, shouldering your pain like a big strong man.

1914
02:17:05.520 --> 02:17:13.559
Are you feeling okay? Hannah? Yeah? Why? Because usually you're

1915
02:17:13.639 --> 02:17:18.559
repulsed by my very existence. Now you're rubbing against my

1916
02:17:18.639 --> 02:17:23.639
window like a cat in heat. Oh I'm in heat?

1917
02:17:23.680 --> 02:17:27.559
All right? With that, Leamal and the lads were torn

1918
02:17:27.680 --> 02:17:33.040
free and tossed into the crisp night air. Holy fucking shit,

1919
02:17:33.760 --> 02:17:37.399
I exclaimed, as Hannah's naked form stood at the window.

1920
02:17:38.799 --> 02:17:41.920
You like what you see my boner? And I answered

1921
02:17:41.920 --> 02:17:45.360
in the affirmative, why not let me in and we

1922
02:17:45.440 --> 02:17:48.799
can get to getting know what I mean? Hannah winked,

1923
02:17:50.239 --> 02:17:53.639
I don't know What in the hell was I saying?

1924
02:17:54.719 --> 02:17:59.760
You don't? Hannah pouted, it was sexy as all shit. Well,

1925
02:17:59.799 --> 02:18:05.760
it's it's just it's weird, is all? Isn't tonight reserved

1926
02:18:05.879 --> 02:18:11.920
for the strange and unusual. My pulse pounded in my pants.

1927
02:18:12.479 --> 02:18:16.639
I I suppose you're right. I started to make my

1928
02:18:16.680 --> 02:18:21.040
way closer to the window, as if on autopilot. Oh,

1929
02:18:21.120 --> 02:18:24.280
you can just bet, I am. I unlocked the window

1930
02:18:24.520 --> 02:18:30.719
and opened it quickly. Hannah smiled so saccherin, so sweet.

1931
02:18:32.000 --> 02:18:34.559
The door to my bedroom nearly exploded off the hinges.

1932
02:18:35.399 --> 02:18:38.760
I turned to see Ace and Hannah. You guys look

1933
02:18:38.840 --> 02:18:42.920
like shit did too, all bruises and scratches. I turned

1934
02:18:42.920 --> 02:18:47.040
back to Hannah. Wait, Hannah at the window, Hannah at

1935
02:18:47.120 --> 02:18:51.799
the door door. Hannah pointed at window, Hannah window. Hannah's

1936
02:18:51.799 --> 02:18:55.600
skin was going from pure driven snow to blood clot

1937
02:18:55.760 --> 02:19:01.000
rotten blood, and her pitch black eyes and anglerfish teeth

1938
02:19:01.040 --> 02:19:05.280
weren't doing her any favors either. It was then that

1939
02:19:05.360 --> 02:19:07.920
a bit of logic slapped me right in the face.

1940
02:19:09.120 --> 02:19:13.479
I'm on the second floor. Hannah can't float, at least

1941
02:19:13.479 --> 02:19:16.040
as far as I know. Man. That should have been

1942
02:19:16.079 --> 02:19:21.120
a huge tip off. That something was slightly amiss. I

1943
02:19:21.239 --> 02:19:24.559
blame the pizza roles. You guys really look like shit.

1944
02:19:25.360 --> 02:19:30.559
Blame it on your girlfriend out there. Tap tap, She's

1945
02:19:30.600 --> 02:19:34.399
not my girlfriend. Closest you'll ever get to me, real,

1946
02:19:34.440 --> 02:19:39.479
Hannah said under her breath. Tap tap, Hey, I heard

1947
02:19:39.479 --> 02:19:42.799
that come on in my own house and everything. You

1948
02:19:42.879 --> 02:19:45.920
two can kiss and make up when we're out of here. Tap,

1949
02:19:46.440 --> 02:19:53.239
mother fucking tap. The window exploded inward as we all

1950
02:19:53.280 --> 02:19:57.520
turned in unison to see the creature's extremely enormous bird

1951
02:19:57.559 --> 02:20:03.120
foot extend back into the darkness. Speaking of darkness, I

1952
02:20:03.239 --> 02:20:07.079
then realized why I couldn't see outside, as quick flashes

1953
02:20:07.120 --> 02:20:11.159
of the beast's dreaded wings revealed a wingspan of nearly

1954
02:20:11.280 --> 02:20:14.920
thirty feet. We didn't hesitate to haul ass from the room,

1955
02:20:15.120 --> 02:20:18.239
the nightmare form of that toothy horror snapping in our wake.

1956
02:20:18.680 --> 02:20:21.440
We slammed my bedroom door closed behind us and dashed

1957
02:20:21.440 --> 02:20:23.799
down the stairs as the sound of the cheap plywood

1958
02:20:23.799 --> 02:20:26.520
door of my bedroom being splintered from repeated blows of

1959
02:20:26.520 --> 02:20:30.559
the monster spurned us on. We dashed past the kitchen

1960
02:20:30.559 --> 02:20:33.639
where my mother washed dishes as she danced and bopped,

1961
02:20:33.639 --> 02:20:37.079
the music issuing from her walkman. Wait, we have to

1962
02:20:37.079 --> 02:20:39.520
get my mother out of here. We don't have time,

1963
02:20:39.920 --> 02:20:43.280
Ace screamed, dragging me by the arm. I tried to

1964
02:20:43.280 --> 02:20:46.479
fight back, but a lifetime of video games and shitty

1965
02:20:46.479 --> 02:20:49.559
eating habits had left me a tad deficient in the

1966
02:20:49.600 --> 02:20:53.879
strength department. We blasted into the chilly night, large snowflakes

1967
02:20:53.920 --> 02:20:57.760
blowing past our faces. The creature sailed directly past my

1968
02:20:57.840 --> 02:21:01.120
mother and followed us through the open front door. We

1969
02:21:01.200 --> 02:21:10.719
flew into the night. We sat in the closet, trying

1970
02:21:10.760 --> 02:21:14.120
not to breathe. We'd snuck into a house a few

1971
02:21:14.159 --> 02:21:18.159
blocks away, climbed into an unlocked window, and paused to

1972
02:21:18.200 --> 02:21:23.600
collect our wits. After long moments of silence, A spoke,

1973
02:21:24.719 --> 02:21:28.959
what the fuck are we going to do? We you're

1974
02:21:29.000 --> 02:21:33.520
the one that talked me into this. I was horny, reasonable,

1975
02:21:33.600 --> 02:21:36.680
but still, hey, does anyone want to discuss how you

1976
02:21:36.840 --> 02:21:39.639
grody fools stole my Maxi pad to make that thing?

1977
02:21:40.399 --> 02:21:44.000
It was him, It was your idea, Ace, Yeah, but

1978
02:21:44.079 --> 02:21:46.479
you took the pad. You didn't want to touch it.

1979
02:21:46.879 --> 02:21:49.040
Neither did you. But I figured, since you're all hot

1980
02:21:49.079 --> 02:21:53.319
and horny for Hannah, are you serious? You too are disgusting?

1981
02:21:54.280 --> 02:21:57.000
I think you're a beautiful woman, Hannah, I had no

1982
02:21:57.079 --> 02:22:02.159
desire to touch your your period. Shut up, Ace. We

1983
02:22:02.239 --> 02:22:07.319
both spat. Screams filled the air. What the fuck was that?

1984
02:22:08.440 --> 02:22:15.520
More screams followed. Jesus. Hannah exhaled dejectedly. I'll go and

1985
02:22:15.600 --> 02:22:19.680
check you two cuddle here. Hannah gingerly snuck out of

1986
02:22:19.719 --> 02:22:26.280
the closet. The seconds seemed like days. More screams followed

1987
02:22:26.280 --> 02:22:33.559
by stifled giggles. Hey, heroes, come here, Hannah whispered. We

1988
02:22:33.719 --> 02:22:36.799
quietly exited the closet and joined Hannah in the hallway.

1989
02:22:37.680 --> 02:22:41.600
She pointed down the stairs. We peered cautiously down the

1990
02:22:41.600 --> 02:22:45.120
steps to see a family watching a film, a horror

1991
02:22:45.120 --> 02:22:48.440
film where a family was being menaced by some monster

1992
02:22:48.559 --> 02:22:53.000
porcupines on a farm. Oh shit, this flick rocks. You've

1993
02:22:53.040 --> 02:22:56.879
seen it? Yeah, I rented it last weekend. It's like Gremlins,

1994
02:22:56.920 --> 02:23:00.280
but with aliens. Why didn't you call me? We could

1995
02:23:00.280 --> 02:23:03.520
have watched it together. I don't know you had bowling

1996
02:23:03.639 --> 02:23:08.120
or some such bullshit. You two belong together. Girls can

1997
02:23:08.159 --> 02:23:11.760
sense that. Shut up, Hannah. Don't tell her to shut up.

1998
02:23:12.399 --> 02:23:14.479
I don't need you to defend me from this dweeb.

1999
02:23:15.280 --> 02:23:21.600
The family turned and locked eyes with the trespassers. Hannah, Yes,

2000
02:23:21.680 --> 02:23:25.639
missus Henderson, it's me. What are you doing upstairs in

2001
02:23:25.639 --> 02:23:30.040
our house? I'm not going to lie. We're running for

2002
02:23:30.079 --> 02:23:32.440
our lives from a crow that has turned into an

2003
02:23:32.959 --> 02:23:38.760
evil version of me. Oh oh, dear, Hannah smiled and

2004
02:23:38.799 --> 02:23:42.719
turned towards her comrades. She believes me. Are you on

2005
02:23:42.799 --> 02:23:50.479
the drugs? What? No? No, drugs? Monsters? Should we call your mother? No? No,

2006
02:23:51.360 --> 02:23:54.680
Ace led the march down the stairs. Enjoy your movie.

2007
02:23:54.799 --> 02:23:57.040
We'll get her home so she can sleep it off.

2008
02:23:57.600 --> 02:24:01.680
Ace smiled his best Scheshire Cat in. He reached into

2009
02:24:01.680 --> 02:24:04.040
the nearest popcorn bowl and grabbed a handful of the

2010
02:24:04.040 --> 02:24:10.639
salty snack within. Good night, now, Happy Halloween, I injected.

2011
02:24:14.600 --> 02:24:19.760
We were soon on the streets again. We walked on, aimless, directionless.

2012
02:24:20.440 --> 02:24:23.520
In the distance came the sound of great wings flapping

2013
02:24:23.600 --> 02:24:29.639
in the midnight sky. We are so fucked, you think so? Yeah?

2014
02:24:29.719 --> 02:24:33.239
I mean, come on, We're just some kids in the

2015
02:24:33.239 --> 02:24:37.200
middle of nowhere, harassed by a demon. The odds are

2016
02:24:37.239 --> 02:24:39.879
stacked against us. But come on, the assholes in this

2017
02:24:39.920 --> 02:24:45.719
town always survive. That isn't wrong, you guys. Hannah offered,

2018
02:24:46.680 --> 02:24:49.920
So what should we do? As if on que far

2019
02:24:50.000 --> 02:24:53.239
in the distance, the bells of Saint James Church of

2020
02:24:53.280 --> 02:24:57.159
our Holy Concubine rung out, we headed towards the church.

2021
02:24:58.680 --> 02:25:02.239
The doors of the church were locked. We slinked inside,

2022
02:25:02.319 --> 02:25:06.760
looking high and low for any means of salvation. It

2023
02:25:06.840 --> 02:25:09.840
was then we saw it tucked away in the corner

2024
02:25:09.879 --> 02:25:14.079
of the pantry far below the church. We cut open

2025
02:25:14.159 --> 02:25:16.479
the box and dragged it up the stairs to the

2026
02:25:16.520 --> 02:25:20.399
main hallway to the front doors, and then we started

2027
02:25:20.399 --> 02:25:24.680
to toss that consecrated bird seed. We scattered the communion

2028
02:25:24.719 --> 02:25:27.639
wafers about the parking lot of the church, all the

2029
02:25:27.639 --> 02:25:31.760
while those thunderous wing movements filled the air, punctuated by

2030
02:25:31.760 --> 02:25:36.959
the angry screams of that unholy amalgamation. Finally, that putrid

2031
02:25:37.000 --> 02:25:40.079
pigeon came to roost, and forever a slave to its

2032
02:25:40.159 --> 02:25:44.559
Avian instincts, it began to peck at the bread we offered,

2033
02:25:45.360 --> 02:25:48.200
on and on at eight, so long that the sun

2034
02:25:48.280 --> 02:25:52.399
began to rise and chase away the darkness. The illumination

2035
02:25:52.559 --> 02:25:56.959
increased as the creature feasted on crow Hannah burped and

2036
02:25:57.079 --> 02:26:00.719
looked at the sky. Its eyes grew wide at the sunrise,

2037
02:26:01.200 --> 02:26:05.079
filled with hope, peace, and possibly a chance at redemption

2038
02:26:05.280 --> 02:26:10.639
for its blasphemous existence. I stepped forward and stroked its furrowed,

2039
02:26:11.280 --> 02:26:16.799
nearly innocent brow. It cooed low and satisfied. I leaned

2040
02:26:16.840 --> 02:26:21.079
close to kiss its forehead. The creature exploded in a

2041
02:26:21.120 --> 02:26:26.040
shower of gore that plastered us in underworld filth. Ace puked,

2042
02:26:26.520 --> 02:26:30.520
Hannah sneezed, and I spit bloody chunks from my mouth.

2043
02:26:31.520 --> 02:26:36.239
Greatest Halloween ever. Ace offered, fuck Yes.

2044
02:26:43.799 --> 02:26:48.760
Mischief Night The Halloween Invasion by Shane miglia Voda.

2045
02:26:50.600 --> 02:26:56.639
Happy motherfucking Halloween. Calm down, Son, Son swore in Korean

2046
02:26:56.719 --> 02:27:00.399
before she kicked the van's flat tire. Why should I, Jade,

2047
02:27:00.799 --> 02:27:03.079
We're stuck in the middle of nowhere on Halloween night

2048
02:27:03.120 --> 02:27:05.520
with a blown out tire and a gig we're supposed

2049
02:27:05.559 --> 02:27:11.239
to be at, actually two blown out tires, another voice added.

2050
02:27:11.680 --> 02:27:16.239
This caused more swearing in Korean from Sun. Jade sighed,

2051
02:27:16.360 --> 02:27:21.079
mumbling under her breath. Good one. Ali Ali stepped around

2052
02:27:21.079 --> 02:27:23.840
from the other side of the van. She was a short,

2053
02:27:23.879 --> 02:27:28.360
bleach blonde with a style that contrasted her bandmate's maulpunk

2054
02:27:28.479 --> 02:27:32.200
coteur now, what the fuck do we do? Sun leaned,

2055
02:27:32.280 --> 02:27:36.000
defeated against the van. Jade, the lead singer of the

2056
02:27:36.079 --> 02:27:40.440
Disposable Tampons, looked up and down the long stretch of road.

2057
02:27:40.920 --> 02:27:44.399
Nothing but fucking trees. She pulled at one of her

2058
02:27:44.440 --> 02:27:48.719
long brown curls. Son, think your sister Bay would come

2059
02:27:48.760 --> 02:27:52.680
get us, Jade asked, not feeling hopeful about the answer.

2060
02:27:53.639 --> 02:27:58.000
Son shook her head. She's got an art class tonight. Damn,

2061
02:27:58.959 --> 02:28:02.680
how about the town we passed, Ali interjected. They gotta

2062
02:28:02.760 --> 02:28:08.120
have a garage or something. Jade smiled, brilliant. We'll push

2063
02:28:08.200 --> 02:28:10.280
the van off the road then hoof it to that town.

2064
02:28:11.239 --> 02:28:13.559
The three girls got ready to move the van when

2065
02:28:13.559 --> 02:28:19.399
they realized something. Aren't we missing something? Sun nodded towards

2066
02:28:19.479 --> 02:28:24.959
the van or someone. Sun pulled the van, sliding door open.

2067
02:28:25.479 --> 02:28:28.040
Wedged between the seats and the band's gear was a

2068
02:28:28.079 --> 02:28:33.000
sleeping bag with a human like lump inside. Sun knocked

2069
02:28:33.000 --> 02:28:35.799
on the side of the van up and Adham rose Linda.

2070
02:28:36.680 --> 02:28:40.680
A groan came from the sleeping bag. What we need

2071
02:28:40.719 --> 02:28:45.120
your help, Roz. Roz opened the sleeping bag. What's up?

2072
02:28:45.920 --> 02:28:49.879
Sun frowned, Really, you slept through the hole nearly going

2073
02:28:49.920 --> 02:28:52.799
off the road. Thing Roz slid out of the van.

2074
02:28:53.520 --> 02:28:59.840
We crashed? Why tires blew out? Ali informed her. Fuck no,

2075
02:29:00.159 --> 02:29:04.399
how the shitty machine strikes again. Sun kicked one of

2076
02:29:04.399 --> 02:29:07.799
the van's tires. Don't talk about my baby like that,

2077
02:29:08.559 --> 02:29:17.799
Jade warned her. A fine mist settled over the ground

2078
02:29:18.159 --> 02:29:23.600
as dusk fell. Roz yawned. Why are you always doing that?

2079
02:29:24.280 --> 02:29:30.479
Sun asked, I'm tired from what sleeping? Channeling the energies?

2080
02:29:30.520 --> 02:29:34.959
I do? It taxes my spirit? How about channeling us

2081
02:29:35.040 --> 02:29:38.440
up a couple of tires. Ali looked over at Jade,

2082
02:29:38.680 --> 02:29:41.520
who appeared to be deep in thought as they walked.

2083
02:29:42.159 --> 02:29:46.159
Is the country supposed to be this quiet? Son asked,

2084
02:29:46.879 --> 02:29:51.479
like we're the only ones that exist? Ali observed, have

2085
02:29:51.600 --> 02:29:55.399
you ever thought about that? Roz spoke up existing. I

2086
02:29:55.479 --> 02:30:00.079
mean right now we can't see or hear anybody. Do

2087
02:30:00.079 --> 02:30:02.879
they still exist or is it only when we can

2088
02:30:02.920 --> 02:30:07.000
see them that they exist? No, I can't say I have,

2089
02:30:07.719 --> 02:30:13.040
Jade answered. Sun looked at raws you high. All four

2090
02:30:13.079 --> 02:30:16.840
girls chuckled. That's when they saw it ahead of them

2091
02:30:16.920 --> 02:30:20.840
down the road, an old steel bridge large enough for

2092
02:30:20.920 --> 02:30:25.879
two lanes of traffic and nothing more. Beyond the bridge

2093
02:30:26.520 --> 02:30:29.319
lay the town. They were a quarter of a way

2094
02:30:29.360 --> 02:30:32.879
across the bridge when Jade noted how still the town looked.

2095
02:30:33.760 --> 02:30:37.520
It was Halloween night. There should be some tricker treaters.

2096
02:30:38.600 --> 02:30:41.959
A gust of wind blew across the bridge, bringing with

2097
02:30:42.000 --> 02:30:49.479
it a sudden chill in the air and something else.

2098
02:30:50.959 --> 02:30:54.840
What is that smell, Sun said, pinching her nose shut.

2099
02:30:55.399 --> 02:31:00.319
Did somebody shit their pants? I think it's sewage, Alice said,

2100
02:31:00.399 --> 02:31:04.399
making a face. Maybe there's a treatment plant or something

2101
02:31:04.440 --> 02:31:08.280
around here. The road led to the main drag of town.

2102
02:31:09.280 --> 02:31:12.239
On the right was a diner. A paper cut out

2103
02:31:12.280 --> 02:31:15.120
of a witch was taped up in the window. A

2104
02:31:15.159 --> 02:31:21.079
banner hung over it, proclaiming Happy Halloween. Jade pulled open

2105
02:31:21.079 --> 02:31:25.159
the diner's door. You guys wait here, No, can't do.

2106
02:31:25.520 --> 02:31:29.000
I'm going in with you, Ali said, Son looked up

2107
02:31:29.040 --> 02:31:33.120
and down the empty street. Shit me too. The three

2108
02:31:33.159 --> 02:31:37.319
girls entered the diner. Ros lingered alone for a second

2109
02:31:37.840 --> 02:31:44.760
before following them. Inside. Country music drifted through the uninhabited

2110
02:31:44.760 --> 02:31:50.479
structure from somewhere behind the counter plates sat on tables

2111
02:31:51.079 --> 02:31:56.079
covered in half eaten meals. For the briefest of seconds,

2112
02:31:56.159 --> 02:32:03.000
Jade saw it a figure standing in the semi darkened kitchen. Hey,

2113
02:32:03.840 --> 02:32:07.280
Jade called out, startling the girls and herself as she

2114
02:32:07.399 --> 02:32:11.360
slid over the counter in pursuit. Her bandmates called after

2115
02:32:11.399 --> 02:32:15.399
her as she ran into the kitchen. The kitchen was

2116
02:32:15.440 --> 02:32:19.120
empty save for her and a grinning Jack o' lantern

2117
02:32:19.200 --> 02:32:23.120
decoration hanging on the far wall. What are you laughing at?

2118
02:32:23.639 --> 02:32:29.200
Jade asked, frustrated Jade, you better see this. Jade leaned

2119
02:32:29.239 --> 02:32:29.879
over the counter.

2120
02:32:30.399 --> 02:32:30.479
What.

2121
02:32:31.680 --> 02:32:34.719
Ali pointed out the large front window, where a group

2122
02:32:34.760 --> 02:32:37.159
of people stood in a straight line on the street,

2123
02:32:37.719 --> 02:32:42.600
their features hidden in the dark shadows of the night. Oh,

2124
02:32:43.000 --> 02:32:48.120
oh shit. They stepped forward in unison. The one closest

2125
02:32:48.159 --> 02:32:51.280
to the door peered into the diner, tilting its head

2126
02:32:51.280 --> 02:32:55.360
as it studied them. Its green eyes shone in the darkness.

2127
02:32:56.120 --> 02:33:01.000
Oh fuck, Son uttered, what is that? Uh? A really

2128
02:33:01.200 --> 02:33:06.760
good Halloween costume? Ali queried through with its study, the

2129
02:33:06.799 --> 02:33:11.639
once human thing punched through the glass. The girls jumped back,

2130
02:33:11.879 --> 02:33:17.200
shrieking Back here, back here, Jade screamed. The three joined

2131
02:33:17.239 --> 02:33:21.000
her in the kitchen, quickly arming themselves with cooking implements.

2132
02:33:21.440 --> 02:33:24.719
The thing crunched broken glass under its foot as it

2133
02:33:24.840 --> 02:33:29.760
stepped through the broken door. What do you want, Ali asked,

2134
02:33:30.000 --> 02:33:34.120
We don't want any trouble. It turned towards them, its

2135
02:33:34.159 --> 02:33:38.000
mouth opened wide as it let out an unearthly bellow,

2136
02:33:38.159 --> 02:33:46.440
causing the nearby windows to vibrate and shatter. Okay, Jade said,

2137
02:33:46.879 --> 02:33:49.600
now we run. The band burst out of the diner

2138
02:33:49.680 --> 02:33:52.600
onto a cluttered back alley. At the end of the

2139
02:33:52.639 --> 02:33:57.280
alley stood more of the former townsfolk, forever watching them.

2140
02:33:57.639 --> 02:34:02.120
Sun hefted a cleaver. Let's fight these assholes. We don't

2141
02:34:02.120 --> 02:34:05.239
know what they want, Roz said. They could be trying

2142
02:34:05.280 --> 02:34:09.399
to communicate with us. They might be possessed by something,

2143
02:34:09.719 --> 02:34:13.760
maybe the body snatches or some shit. Sun added that

2144
02:34:13.799 --> 02:34:16.440
guy in the diner didn't look so hot. What if

2145
02:34:16.440 --> 02:34:22.159
they have some kind of virus, Ali offered. The townspeople

2146
02:34:23.040 --> 02:34:27.559
started down the alley towards them. Jade was just about

2147
02:34:27.559 --> 02:34:31.680
to begin the fight when she saw it, a rusty

2148
02:34:31.719 --> 02:34:36.040
fire escape ladder up there. She motioned to the others,

2149
02:34:36.399 --> 02:34:39.399
I think it's our best bet. There was no disagreement

2150
02:34:39.440 --> 02:34:42.079
from the others as they pulled down the ladder and

2151
02:34:42.120 --> 02:34:50.600
made their way up. As the strangers closed in on

2152
02:34:50.760 --> 02:34:54.559
the roof, the girls took a moment to rest. Think

2153
02:34:54.559 --> 02:34:58.959
those fuckers can climb, Sun asked, spitting over the edge

2154
02:34:58.959 --> 02:35:03.600
of the roof. Jade looked at the throng below. Think

2155
02:35:03.639 --> 02:35:06.959
we can sneak out of here? Well, we can't make

2156
02:35:07.000 --> 02:35:09.200
it to the bridge. There's too many of them between

2157
02:35:09.239 --> 02:35:13.840
here and there. Ali observed. Maybe we should call the cops,

2158
02:35:14.479 --> 02:35:18.760
Roz said. Son scoffed at the idea, and tell them

2159
02:35:18.799 --> 02:35:23.799
what a whole town has gone wacko, Roz shrugged. Worth

2160
02:35:23.840 --> 02:35:28.879
a shot, Jade stepped forward, Do it, Ali, keep a

2161
02:35:28.920 --> 02:35:32.920
watch on our friends. Son pulled out her phone. She

2162
02:35:33.040 --> 02:35:36.159
looked at Jade. What the hell do I tell them?

2163
02:35:36.639 --> 02:35:40.440
Jade pondered the question for a moment. I don't know.

2164
02:35:41.079 --> 02:35:46.239
Tell him it's terrorists. Son made a face. Terrorists took

2165
02:35:46.280 --> 02:35:52.760
over the town, Yeah, basically, Jade answered. Son punched nine

2166
02:35:52.840 --> 02:35:55.879
one one into her phone. She was answered with a

2167
02:35:55.920 --> 02:36:01.319
shrill electronic shriek. Hang it up, Hang it up, Roz pleaded.

2168
02:36:01.719 --> 02:36:06.600
Sun fumbled with the phone before finally turning it off. Guys,

2169
02:36:07.719 --> 02:36:13.200
Ali said, they're stirring down there. I think they heard that.

2170
02:36:14.360 --> 02:36:18.319
Realizing they had no other option, the four snuck down

2171
02:36:18.319 --> 02:36:23.719
from the roof and advanced down main street, hugging the storefronts.

2172
02:36:24.159 --> 02:36:26.719
They made it a few down when Sun stopped them

2173
02:36:26.719 --> 02:36:31.120
in front of an auto shop. Look, she whispered, enthusiastically,

2174
02:36:31.639 --> 02:36:35.639
motioning inside. Two dirt bikes sat against one wall of

2175
02:36:35.680 --> 02:36:41.799
the garage. We could totally jet out of here, Sun whispered, easy, breezy, beautiful.

2176
02:36:42.959 --> 02:36:46.680
What if they don't work? Ali said, they're in a garage.

2177
02:36:47.600 --> 02:36:51.600
What if they do? Sun shot back. Jade thought, for

2178
02:36:51.639 --> 02:36:57.719
a moment, okay, we'll go for it. They entered through

2179
02:36:57.719 --> 02:37:02.639
an unlocked office window, revealing the dingy garage. A man

2180
02:37:02.760 --> 02:37:05.719
in overalls lay on the center of the oil stained

2181
02:37:05.760 --> 02:37:10.879
concrete floor. A strange green substance covered his upper torso.

2182
02:37:12.440 --> 02:37:17.239
Think he's dead. Maybe he's taking a long break, Son answered.

2183
02:37:18.120 --> 02:37:21.440
As the girls examined the bikes, something fell in the

2184
02:37:21.479 --> 02:37:24.719
far corner of the garage, causing the foursome to jump

2185
02:37:24.760 --> 02:37:29.040
in fright. Duct tape rolled across the floor towards them.

2186
02:37:29.479 --> 02:37:32.920
A boy stepped out of the shadows, dressed in a

2187
02:37:33.000 --> 02:37:38.600
dracula costume. An overturned toolbox lay at his feet. Are

2188
02:37:38.600 --> 02:37:45.559
you okay, kid, Jade asked. The child remained silent. Come here, kiddo,

2189
02:37:46.319 --> 02:37:52.440
Ali beckoned him over. The boy stood staring at them.

2190
02:37:53.079 --> 02:37:57.000
Is that your dad, Son asked, pointing to the man

2191
02:37:57.040 --> 02:38:03.079
on the ground again, the child did not respond. Don't

2192
02:38:03.079 --> 02:38:08.559
ask him that, Roz scolded, he could be traumatized. Screw this,

2193
02:38:09.280 --> 02:38:13.079
Sun said, starting towards the boy, Come on, kid. She

2194
02:38:13.200 --> 02:38:16.360
reached out towards the youth. The boy let out a

2195
02:38:16.399 --> 02:38:22.520
deafening howl. Soun struggled against the sonic barrage, unaware that

2196
02:38:22.559 --> 02:38:26.879
the prone man sat up next to her. Son screamed

2197
02:38:26.879 --> 02:38:29.360
as the man took hold of her shoulders. As this

2198
02:38:29.520 --> 02:38:33.479
was happening, the boy advanced towards the distracted Sun. Jade

2199
02:38:33.520 --> 02:38:36.719
wiped blood from her ears. As her hearing started to return.

2200
02:38:37.639 --> 02:38:41.200
The first thing she heard was Son swearing. Hearing her

2201
02:38:41.200 --> 02:38:43.440
friend in trouble. She grabbed a pipe wrench from the

2202
02:38:43.479 --> 02:38:47.760
nearby table. Charging by her two still recovering friends, Jade

2203
02:38:47.799 --> 02:38:49.799
swung the wrench, hitting the man in the side of

2204
02:38:49.840 --> 02:38:52.360
the head as he tried forcing Sun to the ground.

2205
02:38:52.760 --> 02:38:56.760
The blow landed with a wet crunch. The boy howled

2206
02:38:56.799 --> 02:39:00.520
and lunged at Sun. His jaw expanded, his green liquid

2207
02:39:00.600 --> 02:39:04.280
dripped from his mouth. Son kicked him away, sending him

2208
02:39:04.319 --> 02:39:08.000
to the nearby tool bench. Son stood and grabbed the

2209
02:39:08.000 --> 02:39:12.280
wrench from Jade's hand. Mother fucking little shit, she grumbled

2210
02:39:12.280 --> 02:39:14.719
as she swung at the boy. She cracked him in

2211
02:39:14.719 --> 02:39:17.479
the head, causing him to spin around and spew green

2212
02:39:17.559 --> 02:39:21.479
mucus all over the concrete floor. He stumbled around like

2213
02:39:21.520 --> 02:39:27.920
a drunk before dropping to the ground. Oh fuck, Sun gasped,

2214
02:39:28.520 --> 02:39:31.719
I just killed that kid. Jade put a hand on

2215
02:39:31.719 --> 02:39:35.680
her friend's shoulder. It's okay. Son looked down at the

2216
02:39:35.719 --> 02:39:42.440
man's body. Is he think so? Jade responded. They turned

2217
02:39:42.440 --> 02:39:45.079
to their friends, who were recovering from the sonic attack.

2218
02:39:45.760 --> 02:39:50.920
You guys, okay, yeah, Roz answered, as Son, Jade and

2219
02:39:51.040 --> 02:39:54.239
Roz moved the dirt bikes into position and gave them

2220
02:39:54.280 --> 02:39:56.639
a quick check. Ali found a good view of the

2221
02:39:56.680 --> 02:40:00.360
street from one of the windows. They definitely heard. We

2222
02:40:00.440 --> 02:40:04.840
got strange assholes inbound, she reported back to them. Jade

2223
02:40:04.840 --> 02:40:07.159
and Son started the bikes up as Ali and Roz

2224
02:40:07.280 --> 02:40:10.520
raised one of the garage doors. Jumping onto the backs

2225
02:40:10.559 --> 02:40:12.959
of the bikes, the women roared out onto the streets

2226
02:40:12.959 --> 02:40:16.440
as the townspeople closed in trying to encircle the girls.

2227
02:40:17.520 --> 02:40:20.000
Jade kicked one as Roz belted one over the head

2228
02:40:20.040 --> 02:40:23.319
with a frying pan she'd taken from the diner. Suddenly,

2229
02:40:23.399 --> 02:40:27.000
more of them came from the surrounding buildings. There's too many,

2230
02:40:27.639 --> 02:40:31.520
Ali roared over the bike's engine. Follow me, Sun said,

2231
02:40:31.600 --> 02:40:34.479
pointing to a thinned out area of the mob. She

2232
02:40:34.680 --> 02:40:37.120
gunned her engine, plowing through a few of the horde

2233
02:40:37.280 --> 02:40:40.399
while Jade followed. As Son took off down a side street.

2234
02:40:40.840 --> 02:40:44.760
Some of the people were running after them. They're getting better,

2235
02:40:45.280 --> 02:40:50.600
Jade said aloud, what, Ali asked? Those people, those things,

2236
02:40:51.159 --> 02:40:55.440
they're getting better at being people. When they'd been watching

2237
02:40:55.440 --> 02:40:58.799
from the diner roof, they'd stumbled about and had trouble

2238
02:40:58.840 --> 02:41:03.799
with the latter. Now they were running. Were they learning?

2239
02:41:04.719 --> 02:41:11.440
Jade shivered, Just what the hell was going on? Son

2240
02:41:11.520 --> 02:41:15.079
stopped her bike next to a heavily wooded area. Jade

2241
02:41:15.120 --> 02:41:18.799
slowed her bike, pulling up next to her. Look. Sun

2242
02:41:18.879 --> 02:41:22.399
motioned a path. Maybe it'll take us out of town

2243
02:41:22.479 --> 02:41:25.920
to a road or something. Roz stared into the darkness

2244
02:41:26.000 --> 02:41:30.840
of the woods. She shivered and rubbed her arms. Those

2245
02:41:30.920 --> 02:41:37.760
woods ancient dark, Roz warned, feels like a storm in

2246
02:41:37.799 --> 02:41:41.920
my head. She put a hand to her temple, so

2247
02:41:42.040 --> 02:41:45.399
much energy out there. Son turned to Jade with a

2248
02:41:45.399 --> 02:41:51.479
puzzled look. Are you okay, Jade asked, Roz nodded, I

2249
02:41:51.559 --> 02:41:55.000
will be. I just have to do a simple inspection first.

2250
02:41:56.040 --> 02:41:59.799
She started to quietly chant. I hope this spell is fast,

2251
02:42:00.360 --> 02:42:04.680
Sun said, looking around. Never know who'll show up. Quiet

2252
02:42:05.239 --> 02:42:10.040
Ali said. After a few minutes, Ros stopped chanting. She

2253
02:42:10.239 --> 02:42:14.000
looked at her bandmates, it's fine, now we can enter.

2254
02:42:15.120 --> 02:42:26.319
Jade shrugged, sure, fine whatever. They entered the woods, leaving

2255
02:42:26.360 --> 02:42:30.079
their rides behind. The path was too dark and uneven

2256
02:42:30.159 --> 02:42:34.280
to use the bike safely. As they walked, the shadowy

2257
02:42:34.360 --> 02:42:38.479
trees loomed over them on either side. The bare branches

2258
02:42:38.559 --> 02:42:42.120
reached out for them from the dark like the devil's trident.

2259
02:42:43.280 --> 02:42:48.399
The wind gusted, and that strange, rotting smell assaulted their

2260
02:42:48.479 --> 02:42:49.360
noses again.

2261
02:42:52.639 --> 02:42:56.840
I like it. Spooky, weekly, spooky. We'll be right back.

2262
02:43:03.920 --> 02:43:08.319
After following the path, awhile it opened up to a clearing,

2263
02:43:09.520 --> 02:43:15.360
the cold fall air was still once more. From the

2264
02:43:15.399 --> 02:43:20.639
other side of the clearing came a familiar sound. Is

2265
02:43:20.760 --> 02:43:25.840
that Jade asked. Ali listened for a moment before answering

2266
02:43:26.840 --> 02:43:33.159
it's sting. She answered, indeed, it was. They crossed the clearing,

2267
02:43:33.399 --> 02:43:37.280
heading towards the source of the melancholic singing. The trailer

2268
02:43:37.360 --> 02:43:40.600
home came into view. Christmas lights hung from the trees

2269
02:43:40.680 --> 02:43:45.680
surrounding the home. Sun stopped them. Wait it's a trap.

2270
02:43:46.879 --> 02:43:50.520
I don't know, Ali replied, I don't think those things

2271
02:43:50.559 --> 02:43:53.440
would listen to message in a bottle. All the same,

2272
02:43:53.520 --> 02:43:58.319
we'll move forward cautiously, Jade said. Their stealthy approach was

2273
02:43:58.399 --> 02:44:01.479
quickly ruined by the happy bark of a German shepherd.

2274
02:44:02.040 --> 02:44:05.760
The dog, tail wagging ran up to the foresome It

2275
02:44:05.879 --> 02:44:09.040
barked again before trotting off to the trailer door to

2276
02:44:09.120 --> 02:44:12.319
scrape on it with its paws. God damn it, Clint,

2277
02:44:13.159 --> 02:44:16.399
a man hollered from inside the trailer, I was taking

2278
02:44:16.440 --> 02:44:20.399
a shit. The trailer door swung open, and an older

2279
02:44:20.440 --> 02:44:24.159
man in a beat up bathrobe stepped out holding a shotgun.

2280
02:44:25.079 --> 02:44:28.360
He saw the girls and swung the shotgun around, pointing

2281
02:44:28.399 --> 02:44:31.879
it at them. Holy fucked up jumping shit, some fucking

2282
02:44:31.959 --> 02:44:36.040
guard dog you are, Clint, don't shoot, mister. Jade raised

2283
02:44:36.040 --> 02:44:39.680
her arms. The other girls followed suit. We're not monsters,

2284
02:44:40.120 --> 02:44:43.719
Roz added, put your hands down. The old man looked

2285
02:44:43.719 --> 02:44:48.159
at the girls. Well, you can talk and your faces

2286
02:44:48.159 --> 02:44:51.239
aren't fucked up. He looked at the dog, who was

2287
02:44:51.319 --> 02:44:54.639
licking Jade's hand. Clint likes you, so, I guess you're

2288
02:44:54.680 --> 02:44:58.360
not with them commie martians in town. No we're not,

2289
02:44:59.079 --> 02:45:03.159
Sun grumbled. His eyes flicked from Son to Jade, then

2290
02:45:03.280 --> 02:45:07.479
Roz and Ali. Who the fuck are you the un

2291
02:45:07.959 --> 02:45:11.600
We're a band, Jade said, ignoring his comment. Our van

2292
02:45:11.680 --> 02:45:14.440
broke down outside of town. What the fuck is going

2293
02:45:14.479 --> 02:45:18.840
on around here? Sun blurted out. Let's go inside. The

2294
02:45:18.920 --> 02:45:22.520
man said, we'll shoot the shit. Sounds good to me.

2295
02:45:23.000 --> 02:45:26.159
I'm Jade. These are my friends, Ali, Son and Roz.

2296
02:45:26.959 --> 02:45:31.879
He lowered the shotgun. I'm gunnery Sergeant Dale Campbell, grumpy

2297
02:45:31.920 --> 02:45:36.600
old bastard by trade. Were you in the army? Ali asked?

2298
02:45:37.079 --> 02:45:39.879
I was a goddamn Marine. Where the best there is?

2299
02:45:40.719 --> 02:45:44.719
They followed him inside, Clint the dog happily tagging along.

2300
02:45:45.520 --> 02:45:49.159
Inside the trailer was pretty much what Jade expected. A

2301
02:45:49.239 --> 02:45:52.600
Marine Corps flag hung on one wall. On another was

2302
02:45:52.639 --> 02:45:56.239
a gunrack. There were empty beer cans and whiskey bottles

2303
02:45:56.239 --> 02:45:59.680
competing for space on the kitchen counter, sitting next to

2304
02:45:59.760 --> 02:46:03.360
used player on the coffee table, was a signed picture

2305
02:46:03.399 --> 02:46:10.239
of Linda Carter as wonder Woman. Cozy Son said, looking around, so,

2306
02:46:10.680 --> 02:46:15.559
mister Campbell, you live out here, Jade asked, My dad

2307
02:46:15.639 --> 02:46:19.520
was mister Campbell. Just call me Gunny? He said, yeah,

2308
02:46:20.120 --> 02:46:24.559
just me and Clint. You know about the town, Jade asked.

2309
02:46:25.120 --> 02:46:27.319
Gunny went to the fridge and took out a beer.

2310
02:46:27.760 --> 02:46:31.719
He held it out to Jade. Interest you in a palantine?

2311
02:46:32.280 --> 02:46:35.399
Jade hesitated, don't worry. I don't give a fuck if

2312
02:46:35.399 --> 02:46:39.520
you're twenty one or not sure. She took the beer,

2313
02:46:40.079 --> 02:46:43.559
cracking it open. He did likewise with the rest of

2314
02:46:43.600 --> 02:46:47.280
the band, each of them excepting Soon they were sitting

2315
02:46:47.280 --> 02:46:49.920
around the living room of the trailer, listening as Gunny

2316
02:46:50.000 --> 02:46:52.879
told them how Howard Phillips had found a strange rock

2317
02:46:53.000 --> 02:46:55.959
buried on his property, one that turned out to be

2318
02:46:56.079 --> 02:47:00.680
way larger than anyone could have guessed that maybe a

2319
02:47:00.840 --> 02:47:04.840
week ago, Gunny said, taking a last pull from his can,

2320
02:47:05.799 --> 02:47:08.159
But my memory ain't what it used to be, so

2321
02:47:08.280 --> 02:47:12.280
don't quote me on this shit. He shook the can empty,

2322
02:47:13.239 --> 02:47:16.280
another one bites the dust. He got up and went

2323
02:47:16.280 --> 02:47:19.600
to the fridge. Clint followed after him. I only go

2324
02:47:19.719 --> 02:47:23.000
into town every couple of weeks for supplies, but I

2325
02:47:23.079 --> 02:47:28.920
hear shit. Strange stuff started happening, people disappearing, others not

2326
02:47:29.159 --> 02:47:33.120
leaving their houses. He cracked the new beer open. Then

2327
02:47:33.159 --> 02:47:37.280
today I went into town. Fucked up. Shit was going down,

2328
02:47:37.360 --> 02:47:42.360
people attacking other people, puking green shit on him. I

2329
02:47:42.440 --> 02:47:45.559
got my ass back here, decided to get fucked off

2330
02:47:45.600 --> 02:47:49.280
my ass before the world ended. Gunny raised his newly

2331
02:47:49.319 --> 02:47:53.559
opened beer. Here's to the end of the world. Fuck

2332
02:47:53.639 --> 02:47:57.319
that shit, son, spoke up. I have a sister, my mom,

2333
02:47:57.399 --> 02:47:59.879
and dad. If this shit gets out into the world,

2334
02:48:00.479 --> 02:48:04.760
She shook her head. No fucking way. But what the

2335
02:48:04.799 --> 02:48:08.399
hell can we do? Roz asked, you saw how many

2336
02:48:08.440 --> 02:48:11.879
of those things there are. I don't think we can

2337
02:48:12.000 --> 02:48:15.639
let those things leave town. They have to be stopped,

2338
02:48:16.120 --> 02:48:20.760
Ali said, before she turned to Jade, what do you think, boss?

2339
02:48:21.159 --> 02:48:23.799
They'd been friends for as long as Jade could remember.

2340
02:48:24.360 --> 02:48:27.159
They'd started the band together after listening to some punk

2341
02:48:27.239 --> 02:48:31.200
rock compilation. Ali's father had she never failed to have

2342
02:48:31.280 --> 02:48:35.639
some advice when Jade needed guidance. We gotta fight them,

2343
02:48:36.120 --> 02:48:41.239
Jade decided, But we could die, Roz muttered, for nothing.

2344
02:48:42.639 --> 02:48:46.239
At least we would have tried Jade said, I understand.

2345
02:48:46.280 --> 02:48:49.399
If you don't want to go, stay here. If we succeed,

2346
02:48:50.040 --> 02:48:53.120
we'll come get you. Roz looked down at the floor.

2347
02:48:54.200 --> 02:48:57.879
I don't know. Jade gave her friend some space, turning

2348
02:48:57.879 --> 02:49:02.399
her attention to Gunny. How about you, old soldier. Gunny

2349
02:49:02.479 --> 02:49:05.000
balanced an empty beer can on top of another one.

2350
02:49:05.760 --> 02:49:08.680
Fuck you ask him me to go on some no

2351
02:49:08.840 --> 02:49:15.120
chance to succeed suicide mission, little lady. Yeah, basically, fuck it.

2352
02:49:15.559 --> 02:49:24.719
Let's kill us some commie martians. Gunny pulled on his

2353
02:49:24.799 --> 02:49:28.079
old bomber jacket, the jacket he'd worn the night he

2354
02:49:28.159 --> 02:49:32.360
met Margaret, his now ex wife. For once, he was

2355
02:49:32.399 --> 02:49:35.040
glad Margaret and his daughter, Jenny lived on the other

2356
02:49:35.120 --> 02:49:38.079
side of the country. He opened the door to the

2357
02:49:38.120 --> 02:49:44.479
bedroom and noticed Jade pacing. Hey kid, come here, sec Yeah,

2358
02:49:45.120 --> 02:49:48.440
got something for you. On the wall behind the bed

2359
02:49:48.959 --> 02:49:52.959
hung a katana. Jade's eyes lit up when she saw it.

2360
02:49:54.040 --> 02:50:01.239
No shit, a katana really for me, Gunny. He looked

2361
02:50:01.280 --> 02:50:03.959
down at the knife in his hands and then chucked

2362
02:50:03.959 --> 02:50:08.959
it over his shoulder. Yep, all yours. He presented it

2363
02:50:09.000 --> 02:50:12.040
to Jade. I got this when I was stationed in

2364
02:50:12.159 --> 02:50:18.000
Japan after Nam. Take good care of her damn, Son complained,

2365
02:50:18.280 --> 02:50:21.319
why does she get an awesome sword? Don't worry, I

2366
02:50:21.399 --> 02:50:24.719
got something for you. Gunny took a shotgun from the rack.

2367
02:50:25.079 --> 02:50:28.239
He presented it to Son. This here is an under

2368
02:50:28.319 --> 02:50:32.479
over shotgun. He slapped it open, loading. It works just

2369
02:50:32.639 --> 02:50:36.159
like a regular shotgun, but one barrel is over the

2370
02:50:36.200 --> 02:50:40.319
other one. She's got quite a kick. He handed the

2371
02:50:40.360 --> 02:50:44.319
loaded shotgun to Sun. Think you can handle it. Son

2372
02:50:44.360 --> 02:50:48.760
looked at the gun in her hands. Yeah good. He

2373
02:50:48.840 --> 02:50:52.159
handed her a box of shells. Just don't shoot me.

2374
02:50:52.840 --> 02:50:55.559
He went over to the small kitchen table where Ali

2375
02:50:55.639 --> 02:50:59.399
and Roz were making Molotov cocktails out of whiskey bottles.

2376
02:51:00.079 --> 02:51:04.479
He sighed, A damn waste of fine whiskey. Jade was

2377
02:51:04.520 --> 02:51:08.239
watching them prepare, a pensive look etched on her face.

2378
02:51:09.239 --> 02:51:13.600
Gunny stood next to her, ready for battle. I hope so,

2379
02:51:14.440 --> 02:51:20.120
Jade replied, Got a plan? Jade made a face. Kind

2380
02:51:20.159 --> 02:51:27.079
of works for me. Gunny's truck roared down the dirt road,

2381
02:51:27.200 --> 02:51:29.600
kicking up dirt as the bee Gees blared from the

2382
02:51:29.639 --> 02:51:33.200
truck's stereo. The girls held on for dear life in

2383
02:51:33.239 --> 02:51:37.399
the back. Son hollered over the noise. I can't believe

2384
02:51:37.440 --> 02:51:40.120
the dog gets to ride in the cab. They were

2385
02:51:40.159 --> 02:51:43.239
headed to town. According to Gunny, the bridge was the

2386
02:51:43.239 --> 02:51:46.879
only way in and out save for trekking through the woods.

2387
02:51:47.399 --> 02:51:50.399
If they could take out the bridge somehow or block it,

2388
02:51:50.920 --> 02:51:53.959
then they might stand a chance of stopping these things

2389
02:51:54.319 --> 02:51:58.520
from spreading, if they hadn't already. If they could do that,

2390
02:51:59.040 --> 02:52:01.680
Jade hoped they could lure the fuckers into a large

2391
02:52:01.719 --> 02:52:06.239
area and finish them off with the molotops. That was

2392
02:52:06.319 --> 02:52:10.399
a big if. The truck stormed out of the woods

2393
02:52:11.159 --> 02:52:15.079
onto a quiet street, there was no sign of those

2394
02:52:15.239 --> 02:52:21.680
things or another living person. Get ready, Gunny hollered, We're

2395
02:52:21.719 --> 02:52:25.239
headed for the bridge. Who knows what we're run into.

2396
02:52:25.399 --> 02:52:28.479
When they hit main Street, there was still no sign

2397
02:52:28.520 --> 02:52:31.559
of them. Gunny brought the truck to a stop within

2398
02:52:31.639 --> 02:52:35.959
sight of the bridge. The girls tensed up, waiting for

2399
02:52:36.000 --> 02:52:41.840
an attack to come. There was nothing. Maybe we're too late,

2400
02:52:42.799 --> 02:52:47.760
Ali said. After a few moments of silence, everyone piled

2401
02:52:47.799 --> 02:52:52.079
out of the truck, each of them feeling defeated. Clint

2402
02:52:52.159 --> 02:52:55.200
sniffed at the air, running around in a circle. So

2403
02:52:55.360 --> 02:52:59.799
now what, Son asked anger in her voice, as if

2404
02:52:59.799 --> 02:53:04.000
answering her Clint started barking frantically before running off down

2405
02:53:04.000 --> 02:53:08.280
the street. Son of a bitch, Gunny shouted, get back here,

2406
02:53:08.879 --> 02:53:12.360
I've got him. Jade took off after the dog, despite

2407
02:53:12.440 --> 02:53:18.639
everyone's protests, following Clint down main Street. The katana held firmly.

2408
02:53:19.399 --> 02:53:23.440
Jade was ready for trouble. The dog stopped in front

2409
02:53:23.479 --> 02:53:27.520
of the town's theater, barking madly at the entrance. What's

2410
02:53:27.520 --> 02:53:32.200
in there, boy? The dog whined and barked excitedly. Jade

2411
02:53:32.239 --> 02:53:35.680
tried the glass double doors of the theater. It was locked.

2412
02:53:36.159 --> 02:53:40.319
She looked down at the dog. Stay here. Clint let

2413
02:53:40.360 --> 02:53:43.120
out a low growl. As Jade stepped into the theater,

2414
02:53:43.719 --> 02:53:48.239
She shushed him, stay here. Jade closed the door behind her.

2415
02:53:49.000 --> 02:53:53.399
Immediately she heard the low, deep hum reverberating through the building.

2416
02:53:54.280 --> 02:53:58.280
That rotten smell was here as well, stronger than before.

2417
02:53:59.280 --> 02:54:02.639
She went to the auditorium. Gently opening one of the

2418
02:54:02.680 --> 02:54:08.840
double doors, Jade peered inside. What she saw took the

2419
02:54:08.920 --> 02:54:14.079
breath from her lungs. A ten foot stone monolith stood

2420
02:54:14.120 --> 02:54:18.239
in front of the stage. Green light shimmered around it.

2421
02:54:19.079 --> 02:54:23.559
The auditorium was filled to the brim with the possessed townfolk,

2422
02:54:24.600 --> 02:54:30.319
They stood unmoving, as if in reverence of the monolith.

2423
02:54:31.200 --> 02:54:36.799
The hum was emanating from there. It became louder and louder,

2424
02:54:37.319 --> 02:54:41.680
becoming a deep pulse, a pulse Jade could feel in

2425
02:54:41.760 --> 02:54:47.399
her body. The motionless people began to stir. They moved

2426
02:54:47.479 --> 02:54:52.760
towards the monolith, laying their hands upon it. Jade's mind

2427
02:54:52.920 --> 02:54:59.399
tried to comprehend what happened next. The people's hands began

2428
02:54:59.479 --> 02:55:03.920
to melt together. Then their bodies merged with the next

2429
02:55:03.959 --> 02:55:11.239
closest person engulfing them. Flesh joining with flesh. A membrane

2430
02:55:11.239 --> 02:55:18.520
of merged bodies grew bigger and bigger, flowing around the

2431
02:55:18.600 --> 02:55:24.200
colossal stone monolith. The door made a creaking noise as

2432
02:55:24.319 --> 02:55:28.159
Jade leaned against it. One of the townspeople closest to her,

2433
02:55:28.399 --> 02:55:32.120
A young woman in a cheerleader outfit, turned seeing Jade,

2434
02:55:32.319 --> 02:55:36.360
It hissed and came at her, lashing out. Jade cut

2435
02:55:36.399 --> 02:55:40.040
the cheerleader's head off with the katana. This alerted some

2436
02:55:40.120 --> 02:55:44.399
of the others, who turned and charged towards Jade. Fuck

2437
02:55:45.040 --> 02:55:47.360
She slammed the door shut, trying to hold it as

2438
02:55:47.399 --> 02:55:50.079
angry fists pounded on it from the other side, but

2439
02:55:50.159 --> 02:55:53.280
the assault was too much, and Jade fell backwards as

2440
02:55:53.319 --> 02:55:56.920
the door burst open. Jade struck out with the katana,

2441
02:55:57.040 --> 02:55:59.959
cutting down a teenaged boy dressed as a hockey mask

2442
02:56:00.159 --> 02:56:00.959
serial killer.

2443
02:56:01.200 --> 02:56:02.120
It was no use.

2444
02:56:02.479 --> 02:56:04.639
As she pulled the sword free of the dead boy,

2445
02:56:05.040 --> 02:56:08.479
more of the possessed people closed in. Jade took a

2446
02:56:08.559 --> 02:56:13.079
deep breath. She vowed to herself she'd take as many

2447
02:56:13.120 --> 02:56:16.280
with her as possible. As she raised up the katana.

2448
02:56:16.920 --> 02:56:19.959
The double glass doors of the lobby behind her exploded

2449
02:56:20.159 --> 02:56:23.799
as Gunny's truck rammed through them. Jade jumped for cover

2450
02:56:23.879 --> 02:56:27.600
as wood and glass flew. Before she could recover, her

2451
02:56:27.639 --> 02:56:30.360
ears still ringing, one of the nearest of the possessed

2452
02:56:30.399 --> 02:56:34.159
people flew with a loud crack, their chest exploding in

2453
02:56:34.200 --> 02:56:39.479
a red and green mess. Holy shit, son, howled, this

2454
02:56:39.559 --> 02:56:42.639
thing does kick. Jade looked up to see her friends

2455
02:56:42.680 --> 02:56:46.040
standing next to her with the shotgun. Gunny grinned at

2456
02:56:46.120 --> 02:56:50.239
them from behind the wheel. Come on, let's get the

2457
02:56:50.319 --> 02:56:54.040
fuck out of here. The building shook as the pulse

2458
02:56:54.120 --> 02:56:59.239
grew louder. Fucking a wright, Jade said, scrambling into the

2459
02:56:59.239 --> 02:57:03.239
back where al Roz and Clint waited. Gunny backed up

2460
02:57:03.319 --> 02:57:06.799
swerving the truck around. The pulse from the monolith could

2461
02:57:06.799 --> 02:57:10.079
be heard even over the roar of the engine. Possessed

2462
02:57:10.120 --> 02:57:14.360
townsfolk rushed from the theater towards the truck. Light them up, girls,

2463
02:57:14.760 --> 02:57:18.159
Gunny hollered. The girls hurled the lit maltovs, hitting the

2464
02:57:18.200 --> 02:57:21.280
oncoming horde and sending many of them up in flames.

2465
02:57:21.879 --> 02:57:24.879
The ground started to rumble as the pulse grew louder.

2466
02:57:25.520 --> 02:57:28.959
Let's get out of here, Jade said. As Gunny peeled out.

2467
02:57:29.280 --> 02:57:32.280
Jade told the others what she'd seen and heard in

2468
02:57:32.319 --> 02:57:36.120
the theater. Roz stopped her when she heard about the sounds.

2469
02:57:37.120 --> 02:57:40.319
I have an idea, she said. We have to get

2470
02:57:40.360 --> 02:57:44.840
to the van quickly. The whole earth seemed to shake

2471
02:57:45.239 --> 02:57:50.680
as Jade stood the bridge at her back. Something was coming.

2472
02:57:53.079 --> 02:57:57.079
Jade gripped the microphone tight in her hand. Cymbals written

2473
02:57:57.079 --> 02:58:00.680
in her and her bandmate's blood adorned her face arms.

2474
02:58:01.600 --> 02:58:06.799
Roz sat cross legged behind her, chanting. Jade took a

2475
02:58:06.840 --> 02:58:12.879
deep breath as another building crumbled. The misshapen thing lumbered

2476
02:58:12.920 --> 02:58:17.280
from the cloud of destruction, a mass of limbs and

2477
02:58:17.479 --> 02:58:22.879
bodies and melted flesh. A mast around the stone monolith.

2478
02:58:24.079 --> 02:58:30.799
Son stood filming with her phone as the beast approached one, two, three, four,

2479
02:58:31.159 --> 02:58:35.399
another one bites the dust. Jade said, ready for battle?

2480
02:58:36.120 --> 02:58:39.440
Whoa sun stopped her. That song will get us taken

2481
02:58:39.479 --> 02:58:45.040
down from YouTube for copyright. Okay, Jade said, one of ours.

2482
02:58:45.120 --> 02:58:50.799
Then fuck you motherfuckers by disposable tampons. She felt the

2483
02:58:50.920 --> 02:58:59.440
energy flow through her, with each verse coming to her mind.

2484
02:59:00.280 --> 02:59:04.520
Fuck you, motherfucker, I hate everything about you.

2485
02:59:05.159 --> 02:59:08.319
The blast of energy leapt from her, a sonic lance

2486
02:59:08.360 --> 02:59:14.040
that pierced the damned beast. Staggering it, Jade kept singing, your.

2487
02:59:13.920 --> 02:59:15.840
Hair, socks and your breadsteaks.

2488
02:59:16.159 --> 02:59:18.719
Another bolt of energy shot out of her and struck

2489
02:59:18.760 --> 02:59:21.959
the beast, going through and out the other side.

2490
02:59:22.120 --> 02:59:28.879
Fuck you, motherfucker. Back your wrass up quick, Fuck you motherfucker,

2491
02:59:30.040 --> 02:59:34.000
and you could suck mine.

2492
02:59:33.239 --> 02:59:38.639
Jade finished, dropping the mic to the ground. A third

2493
02:59:38.680 --> 02:59:42.000
bolt shot out, hitting the monolith at the beast's center,

2494
02:59:42.319 --> 02:59:45.559
causing it to fracture. Energy began bleeding out of the

2495
02:59:45.600 --> 02:59:49.360
cracked edifice. The beast let out a pain screech before

2496
02:59:49.399 --> 02:59:53.440
being consumed by the energy and exploding. The shockwaves sent

2497
02:59:53.559 --> 03:00:00.840
everyone sprawling to the ground. Jade lay on the street,

2498
03:00:01.280 --> 03:00:05.280
drifting in and out of consciousness. She wasn't sure how

2499
03:00:05.319 --> 03:00:11.639
long she'd been there, but she could hear Ali's voice. Jade,

2500
03:00:11.719 --> 03:00:16.840
are you all right? I think so, she said, standing

2501
03:00:16.879 --> 03:00:22.239
with some help from Ali. Is everybody okay? Pretty much?

2502
03:00:22.840 --> 03:00:27.399
Son answered. Roz stood next to her, petting Clint Gunny

2503
03:00:27.520 --> 03:00:31.600
stood leaning on his truck. They stared at the ghostly

2504
03:00:31.760 --> 03:00:37.399
decimated town in silence. A fine ash began to fall

2505
03:00:37.440 --> 03:00:42.680
over the city. It's snowing on Halloween, Sun said, catching

2506
03:00:42.719 --> 03:00:46.239
some of it in her hand. That's the ashes of

2507
03:00:46.280 --> 03:01:01.319
the burned townspeople. Ali informed them, you du la hand

2508
03:01:02.040 --> 03:01:08.120
By Morgan Moore. Halloween Knight. It's a night where fun

2509
03:01:08.280 --> 03:01:13.559
can be had as well as mischief. In ancient folklore,

2510
03:01:14.000 --> 03:01:18.120
it is a night where the plains of existence open up,

2511
03:01:18.760 --> 03:01:25.079
a night of thrills, where anyone can be anybody or anything.

2512
03:01:26.280 --> 03:01:31.840
At this moment, however, Isaiah Crane was late. The young

2513
03:01:31.920 --> 03:01:35.600
man was expected at a costume party his classmates were holding.

2514
03:01:36.399 --> 03:01:40.120
He was considered the guest of honor. Isaiah was the

2515
03:01:40.159 --> 03:01:43.639
new kid in Yatesville, and he quickly learned through the

2516
03:01:43.680 --> 03:01:47.159
other kids and even the adults, that he bore an

2517
03:01:47.319 --> 03:01:53.040
uncanny resemblance to a man of local legend, Gerald Johnson.

2518
03:01:54.239 --> 03:01:59.079
Johnson was infamous for having been convicted of witchcraft and

2519
03:01:59.239 --> 03:02:04.399
executed by decapitation for the crime. Whether he did or

2520
03:02:04.479 --> 03:02:08.520
did not practice witchcraft was a matter of debate. Like

2521
03:02:08.959 --> 03:02:14.239
many other witch hunt victims, None of this mattered to Isaiah, however.

2522
03:02:14.920 --> 03:02:17.600
All that mattered to him was getting to the party.

2523
03:02:18.319 --> 03:02:21.479
Being the new kid wasn't easy, and he hadn't yet

2524
03:02:21.479 --> 03:02:25.079
made any real friends. His invite to the party came

2525
03:02:25.159 --> 03:02:29.600
as a genuine surprise, as he didn't think anybody really

2526
03:02:29.680 --> 03:02:34.520
knew him. What made the invitation even more surprising was

2527
03:02:34.600 --> 03:02:39.600
that it came from a girl named Phoebe Hart. Phoebe

2528
03:02:39.719 --> 03:02:42.959
was Isaiah's crush, and he couldn't help but take up

2529
03:02:43.000 --> 03:02:47.280
the invitation just to hang out with her. He found

2530
03:02:47.280 --> 03:02:50.680
it odd that they wanted him to dress up as Johnson,

2531
03:02:51.319 --> 03:02:54.920
but if they thought he looked like the guy, and

2532
03:02:54.959 --> 03:02:58.000
if Phoebe thought it would be fun, then he would

2533
03:02:58.079 --> 03:03:02.559
do it. Unfortunately, things weren't going as well as he

2534
03:03:02.600 --> 03:03:06.360
had hoped. His costume had to be home made, an

2535
03:03:06.440 --> 03:03:11.200
understandable circumstance, but Isaiah was afraid he would look drabby,

2536
03:03:11.639 --> 03:03:14.760
compared to the other kids. Adding on to that was

2537
03:03:14.799 --> 03:03:17.399
the fact that Isaiah had to bike his way to

2538
03:03:17.479 --> 03:03:20.879
the party. He had planned on riding through the streets

2539
03:03:20.879 --> 03:03:24.760
of town, but a downtown party for the older residence

2540
03:03:25.200 --> 03:03:29.360
made that next to impossible to do. His next best

2541
03:03:29.399 --> 03:03:32.799
option was to take the bike path. All would be

2542
03:03:32.920 --> 03:03:35.719
fine if he knew how to traverse it to get

2543
03:03:35.840 --> 03:03:41.040
to his destination. Isaiah pedled on desperately trying to get

2544
03:03:41.079 --> 03:03:44.959
to the party, to his chance to make friends, to

2545
03:03:45.040 --> 03:03:51.079
fit in to be with Phoebe. He went faster and faster,

2546
03:03:51.520 --> 03:03:57.319
trees blurring by while he rode too fast, though his

2547
03:03:57.479 --> 03:04:00.959
pant leg caught on the pedal. He shouted in aggression

2548
03:04:01.040 --> 03:04:05.319
and disbelief. The speed was much too high, and Isaiah

2549
03:04:05.399 --> 03:04:08.360
lost control of the bike. As the pedal came to

2550
03:04:08.440 --> 03:04:12.479
a stop, it turned and twisted off to the side.

2551
03:04:12.920 --> 03:04:15.920
The front wheel slammed into the curb of the trail

2552
03:04:16.200 --> 03:04:20.280
and threw Isaiah off the bike and into the tree line.

2553
03:04:20.680 --> 03:04:24.159
Isaiah laid on the ground in pain. In his head,

2554
03:04:24.200 --> 03:04:28.360
he started counting backwards from ten and recited various phone

2555
03:04:28.440 --> 03:04:31.440
numbers he knew to make sure he didn't have any

2556
03:04:31.520 --> 03:04:35.399
head trauma. After he was sure his head was all right.

2557
03:04:35.959 --> 03:04:40.319
Isaiah slowly stood up and started checking himself for any

2558
03:04:40.360 --> 03:04:44.760
more injuries. He felt blood on his forehead and hands.

2559
03:04:45.520 --> 03:04:49.680
Along his shirt, sleeves, and pants legs, he found multiple rips,

2560
03:04:50.239 --> 03:04:55.319
his limbs underneath sure to have cuts and bruises. Nothing

2561
03:04:55.360 --> 03:04:58.280
seemed to be wrong with his chest or back as

2562
03:04:58.319 --> 03:05:02.079
he pressed his hand against them. The only real pain

2563
03:05:02.200 --> 03:05:05.079
he felt was in his ankle, where his pant's leg

2564
03:05:05.440 --> 03:05:10.920
had gotten caught. Overall, he wasn't too banged up. The

2565
03:05:10.959 --> 03:05:14.120
young man began to carefully walk the area he had

2566
03:05:14.159 --> 03:05:17.719
been thrown to, trying to find his bike and his

2567
03:05:17.840 --> 03:05:21.440
way back to the path. He sighed as he stumbled

2568
03:05:21.479 --> 03:05:25.079
around in the dark, unsure really of where he was.

2569
03:05:26.079 --> 03:05:28.879
While the flight from the bike didn't send him deep

2570
03:05:29.000 --> 03:05:31.760
into the wooded part of town, it did put him

2571
03:05:31.799 --> 03:05:35.559
at a good distance from the trail. With only the

2572
03:05:35.639 --> 03:05:40.600
faintest shimmers of moonlight to aid him, Isaiah continued on

2573
03:05:40.719 --> 03:05:43.959
his hunt. He walked in the dark towards what he

2574
03:05:44.079 --> 03:05:47.360
thought was the way he came from. As he walked,

2575
03:05:47.559 --> 03:05:50.399
the wind picked up and brought a chill with it.

2576
03:05:51.280 --> 03:05:55.959
Isaiah shuddered at the sudden coldness, his costume not giving

2577
03:05:56.000 --> 03:06:01.280
him much protection from the elements. Leave danced around him

2578
03:06:01.319 --> 03:06:05.639
as he continued on. The wind continued to pick up,

2579
03:06:06.000 --> 03:06:10.799
no longer making the leaves dance, but plastered them to

2580
03:06:10.920 --> 03:06:14.680
his face. He pulled them away, only for them to

2581
03:06:14.760 --> 03:06:19.639
return moments later. It got louder and more forceful as

2582
03:06:19.680 --> 03:06:23.719
it continued to pick up. Isaiah soon found himself being

2583
03:06:23.760 --> 03:06:26.760
pushed around by the wind, as if it was leading

2584
03:06:26.840 --> 03:06:34.360
him somewhere. The wind stopped suddenly. Isaiah, having closed his

2585
03:06:34.440 --> 03:06:38.319
eyes to protect them from the leaves, opened them, finding

2586
03:06:38.399 --> 03:06:42.520
himself in a small clearing. He stood there, taking in

2587
03:06:42.600 --> 03:06:46.440
the silence of the night. The moon, once hidden, was

2588
03:06:46.520 --> 03:06:49.920
now clear as daylight, providing him with a light source

2589
03:06:50.440 --> 03:06:54.399
to see his surroundings. It was then that he heard

2590
03:06:54.440 --> 03:06:59.159
a thunderous sound. Isaiah looked around frantically to find the source.

2591
03:06:59.719 --> 03:07:03.040
The sound reminded him of horses racing down a track.

2592
03:07:03.760 --> 03:07:08.639
It grew closer and closer. The closer it came, the

2593
03:07:08.719 --> 03:07:12.840
louder it got. Suddenly, through the trees came the source,

2594
03:07:14.879 --> 03:07:18.879
a tar black horse with eyes that glowed like hell fire.

2595
03:07:19.440 --> 03:07:24.040
Sitting atop the horse was a man or what was

2596
03:07:24.120 --> 03:07:27.760
once a man. His body was dressed in navy attire

2597
03:07:28.079 --> 03:07:32.840
reminiscent of a pilgrim, a black coat draping around his shoulder.

2598
03:07:33.799 --> 03:07:37.840
The only difference between this man and any other was

2599
03:07:37.920 --> 03:07:42.879
his lack of a head. Isaiah stared in awe of

2600
03:07:42.920 --> 03:07:46.920
the thing before him. Just as suddenly as the horseman

2601
03:07:47.000 --> 03:07:54.200
appeared and stopped before him, it now started again, charging

2602
03:07:54.239 --> 03:07:58.680
towards Isaiah inhuman speed. The teenager bolted into the tree

2603
03:07:58.719 --> 03:08:01.920
line to escape the hellishe being? It followed him into

2604
03:08:01.920 --> 03:08:05.000
the woods, riding so hard and so fast it was

2605
03:08:05.040 --> 03:08:07.399
as if it was burning the land as it went.

2606
03:08:08.399 --> 03:08:14.000
The boy continued to run as the horseman thundered behind him. Suddenly,

2607
03:08:14.159 --> 03:08:18.159
Isaiah felt a sting on his cheek. He touched his

2608
03:08:18.280 --> 03:08:23.479
skin and felt the warm stickiness of blood oozing from

2609
03:08:23.479 --> 03:08:28.600
his face. Isaiah looked behind him and found the horseman

2610
03:08:29.079 --> 03:08:33.159
with an arm held high and a whip tightly clenched

2611
03:08:33.200 --> 03:08:37.399
in his hand. He wasn't sure, but it looked to

2612
03:08:37.479 --> 03:08:41.319
Isaiah that the whip was made from something that looked

2613
03:08:41.559 --> 03:08:47.799
like a spine. His pursuer cracked it again and struck

2614
03:08:47.840 --> 03:08:52.200
Isaiah's shoulder. Isaiah tumbled forward to a stop. He quickly

2615
03:08:52.239 --> 03:08:56.200
picked himself back up and continued his escape. The horseman,

2616
03:08:56.280 --> 03:09:03.000
now closer than ever. Isaiah kept running through the woods

2617
03:09:03.000 --> 03:09:06.840
with the horsemen on his heels. His legs grew more

2618
03:09:06.920 --> 03:09:11.120
and more tired, his lungs burning, and his body covered

2619
03:09:11.159 --> 03:09:14.879
in sweat and blood from his wounds. The ankle he

2620
03:09:14.920 --> 03:09:18.760
had hurt from his bike crash throbbed with pain. If

2621
03:09:18.799 --> 03:09:21.799
this kept up, he was sure to be a goner.

2622
03:09:22.799 --> 03:09:26.239
In the distance, Isaiah saw an opening in the woods.

2623
03:09:27.079 --> 03:09:30.159
He smiled in hope that it would lead to his safety.

2624
03:09:31.079 --> 03:09:34.000
The boy threw all of his energy into one final

2625
03:09:34.120 --> 03:09:39.200
mad dash towards the opening. Isaiah burst through it to

2626
03:09:39.360 --> 03:09:45.000
find a cabin. He approached the building and noticed a

2627
03:09:45.159 --> 03:09:48.600
sign by the front steps denoting it to be a

2628
03:09:48.719 --> 03:09:53.600
museum devoted to the witch hunts and trials. Before he

2629
03:09:53.680 --> 03:09:57.639
could process everything, he heard the shriek of the horse.

2630
03:10:00.079 --> 03:10:04.440
He spun around and saw the horseman galloping towards him.

2631
03:10:04.639 --> 03:10:08.520
Isaiah instinctively ran up the stairs to the door, using

2632
03:10:08.520 --> 03:10:15.440
his good leg to kick it open. Isaiah flicked the

2633
03:10:15.559 --> 03:10:20.280
lights on and was greeted with an array of relics, pictures,

2634
03:10:20.319 --> 03:10:24.479
and various odds and ends related to the witch hunts.

2635
03:10:25.760 --> 03:10:30.280
The teenager walked around, trying to find something to aid him.

2636
03:10:30.639 --> 03:10:34.200
His pursuer did not give him much time. As Isaiah

2637
03:10:34.319 --> 03:10:37.200
was looking at a display case of antiques, the horseman

2638
03:10:37.319 --> 03:10:41.159
burst in horse and all tearing apart the entrance. Isaiah

2639
03:10:41.159 --> 03:10:44.719
whipped around to see the horseman himself. Its horse cried

2640
03:10:44.760 --> 03:10:48.559
out in anger, and the rider cracked its whip. The

2641
03:10:48.639 --> 03:10:55.639
horseman strode slowly towards its prey. Isaiah walked backwards, trapped

2642
03:10:55.719 --> 03:10:59.920
with no exit in sight, He found himself up against

2643
03:11:00.159 --> 03:11:05.440
an odd shaped item. The boy turned around and discovered

2644
03:11:05.479 --> 03:11:09.840
a row of wax heads. A quick glance at the

2645
03:11:09.920 --> 03:11:14.159
placards under them revealed that they were sculptures of those

2646
03:11:14.959 --> 03:11:20.399
who were executed. One in particular caught Isaiah's attention. It

2647
03:11:20.520 --> 03:11:26.200
was of Gerald Johnson. Johnson had been beheaded for his execution.

2648
03:11:28.280 --> 03:11:31.280
Could it be? A crack and a cry from the

2649
03:11:31.319 --> 03:11:34.879
horse brought Isaiah back to the situation at hand. The

2650
03:11:34.959 --> 03:11:39.200
horseman was getting closer and closer. Isaiah had an idea,

2651
03:11:39.639 --> 03:11:44.479
a hope. He grabbed hold of Gerald Johnson's head and

2652
03:11:44.600 --> 03:11:48.520
pulled it off its stand. Isaiah turned around and found

2653
03:11:48.559 --> 03:11:51.760
the horseman right in front of him. The horse breathed

2654
03:11:51.840 --> 03:11:55.079
onto Isaiah, filling the boy's nose with the scent of

2655
03:11:55.159 --> 03:12:00.639
decades old decay. Isaiah said a small prayer for holding

2656
03:12:00.799 --> 03:12:05.799
up the wax head of Johnson. The horseman slowly lowered

2657
03:12:05.840 --> 03:12:10.280
his whip, placing it on his hip with both hands.

2658
03:12:10.319 --> 03:12:13.799
He took the sculpture from the boy and placed it

2659
03:12:13.840 --> 03:12:18.360
on his shoulders. The head began to meld to the

2660
03:12:18.399 --> 03:12:24.079
horseman's body, and a smile formed on the wax's lips.

2661
03:12:25.040 --> 03:12:29.120
The smile quickly faded, and the horseman started to claw

2662
03:12:29.159 --> 03:12:34.639
at his throat. Isaiah watched, confused. It suddenly hit him

2663
03:12:35.120 --> 03:12:38.280
that the head being wax meant it wouldn't have any

2664
03:12:38.319 --> 03:12:41.840
openings for a person to breathe. The horseman pointed at

2665
03:12:41.920 --> 03:12:46.319
Isaiah's head angrily. It must have really been Gerald Johnson,

2666
03:12:46.879 --> 03:12:53.000
and he wanted his head or the next best thing Isaiah's.

2667
03:12:53.920 --> 03:12:56.760
Isaiah ran from the wax heads with the horsemen on

2668
03:12:56.799 --> 03:13:01.040
his heels. His plan failed, and now his pursuer was

2669
03:13:01.159 --> 03:13:06.319
angrier and more hell bent to kill him. In his rush,

2670
03:13:06.559 --> 03:13:09.959
Isaiah tripped over a display the horseman had knocked down

2671
03:13:10.319 --> 03:13:14.559
and landed face first on the floor. He looked over

2672
03:13:14.719 --> 03:13:21.000
towards a fallen table and noticed an old lantern. Isaiah

2673
03:13:21.079 --> 03:13:24.239
crawled over to it and discovered a small book of

2674
03:13:24.319 --> 03:13:27.959
matches sitting next to it, with the logo of the

2675
03:13:28.040 --> 03:13:32.159
museum on the front. The boy took one look inside

2676
03:13:32.159 --> 03:13:37.200
of the lantern, saw a heavily used candle, and instantly

2677
03:13:37.920 --> 03:13:41.879
knew what to do. He grabbed the lantern and the

2678
03:13:41.920 --> 03:13:46.159
matches and quickly scrambled to his feet. Isaiah ran out

2679
03:13:46.200 --> 03:13:48.799
onto the porch and fumbled to get the matches out

2680
03:13:48.840 --> 03:13:52.159
and lit. Once they were ignited, he threw them into

2681
03:13:52.200 --> 03:13:56.200
the lantern. He watched the candle catch on fire, illuminating

2682
03:13:56.239 --> 03:13:59.719
the dark. Isaiah looked to the door and saw the

2683
03:14:00.120 --> 03:14:03.879
arging glow of the horse's eyes. He waited until he

2684
03:14:03.959 --> 03:14:09.280
saw the horseman saw the wax visage. Once he saw

2685
03:14:09.319 --> 03:14:11.639
it clear as day, he threw the lantern at the

2686
03:14:11.680 --> 03:14:17.000
wax head. Please God, The glass broke and the candle

2687
03:14:17.079 --> 03:14:21.520
fell on top of the horseman's head. Instantly, the head

2688
03:14:21.559 --> 03:14:25.399
caught on fire as quick as it had started. It

2689
03:14:25.639 --> 03:14:28.440
just as quickly spread down the rest of the horseman

2690
03:14:28.719 --> 03:14:32.559
and on to the horse. The creature thrashed around in agony,

2691
03:14:32.799 --> 03:14:36.799
spreading the fire all about the cabin. Isaiah ran off

2692
03:14:36.840 --> 03:14:40.159
of the porch and beelined to an opening he spotted

2693
03:14:40.200 --> 03:14:43.719
behind the house. He ran with all of the energy

2694
03:14:43.799 --> 03:14:47.760
he had left, not daring to look behind him. His

2695
03:14:47.879 --> 03:14:51.079
only comfort was that he didn't hear the horseman coming.

2696
03:14:51.719 --> 03:14:55.639
The young man continued to run, his eyes spotting an

2697
03:14:55.680 --> 03:14:59.840
opening in the trees ahead. Isaiah burst through the trees

2698
03:15:00.079 --> 03:15:03.799
and fell over his feet on to the pavement. He

2699
03:15:03.920 --> 03:15:07.239
stood up and turned around to face the trees from

2700
03:15:07.239 --> 03:15:11.879
where he had come. His eyes widened. The fire had

2701
03:15:11.920 --> 03:15:14.959
grown from the cabin to the woods around it. It

2702
03:15:15.000 --> 03:15:18.440
was a horrific sight, but also one that gave Isaiah

2703
03:15:18.520 --> 03:15:24.040
a great comfort, comfort that he was safe. Isaiah walked

2704
03:15:24.079 --> 03:15:27.200
for what seemed like an eternity. He had a limp

2705
03:15:27.280 --> 03:15:30.840
from all the pain in his ankle, making his already

2706
03:15:30.920 --> 03:15:36.600
slow trek that much longer. Listlessly, he walked through the

2707
03:15:36.639 --> 03:15:40.959
streets and into a neighborhood. Tricker treating had long been over,

2708
03:15:41.159 --> 03:15:45.520
but yards were still decorated with store bought displays and

2709
03:15:45.600 --> 03:15:49.920
toilet paper from kids who had been rowdy that night. Isaiah,

2710
03:15:50.319 --> 03:15:55.040
a voice feminine called out to him. The boy stopped

2711
03:15:55.319 --> 03:15:58.360
and turned to where the voice had come from. It

2712
03:15:58.479 --> 03:16:01.879
was Phoebe ran up to him and gasped a little

2713
03:16:01.920 --> 03:16:05.600
at the state he was in. You're late, I was worried.

2714
03:16:06.159 --> 03:16:11.639
It looks like I was right too. What happened, Phoebe asked, Oh, yeah,

2715
03:16:11.719 --> 03:16:15.479
I guess I am late. I crashed my bike and

2716
03:16:15.520 --> 03:16:18.760
got lost in the woods. I got out, but well,

2717
03:16:20.079 --> 03:16:23.600
I'm new. I don't know where everything is yet. Guess

2718
03:16:23.600 --> 03:16:29.520
I got lucky that I ended up here, Isaiah explained, Yeah,

2719
03:16:29.559 --> 03:16:33.639
you are. Phoebe smiled. She took his hand, and the

2720
03:16:33.680 --> 03:16:37.120
two kids started to head back to the house and

2721
03:16:37.799 --> 03:16:41.360
to the party. You should really learn the town and

2722
03:16:41.399 --> 03:16:44.760
how to get around. You could lose your head getting lost.

2723
03:16:45.399 --> 03:16:50.760
Isaiah smiled a little and laughed to himself, nearly did.

2724
03:17:01.719 --> 03:17:08.760
The Origin of the Pumpkin Man by Charles Campbell All

2725
03:17:08.879 --> 03:17:15.600
Hallow's Eve, LBC Middle School, nineteen eighty seven. What began

2726
03:17:15.719 --> 03:17:19.399
in nineteen eighty as an experiment became an annual tradition

2727
03:17:19.920 --> 03:17:25.399
at LBC Middle School, the Jack O Lantern Jubilee. It

2728
03:17:25.520 --> 03:17:29.639
was a day full of festivities, games, and candy giveaways

2729
03:17:30.000 --> 03:17:33.959
that ended with a student dance in the school's gymnasium.

2730
03:17:34.520 --> 03:17:39.079
LBC stood for Langley, Bath and Clearwater. It was the

2731
03:17:39.079 --> 03:17:41.920
middle school for most of the Valley kids before they

2732
03:17:41.959 --> 03:17:46.760
moved up to Midland Valley High. Raymond Mathis taught seventh

2733
03:17:46.760 --> 03:17:49.959
grade science and drew the short straw to be one

2734
03:17:49.959 --> 03:17:54.440
of the staff chaperones for the dance this year. Halloween

2735
03:17:54.680 --> 03:17:59.399
was nonsense to him, but he'd play along. He got

2736
03:17:59.440 --> 03:18:01.959
along with the kids for the most part, except for

2737
03:18:02.040 --> 03:18:05.760
a couple of the boys in his fifth period class.

2738
03:18:06.200 --> 03:18:10.799
But today was Halloween, and it just so happened that

2739
03:18:10.840 --> 03:18:14.360
it actually fell on a Saturday. This year, it was

2740
03:18:14.440 --> 03:18:18.040
still early in the day. Raymond didn't have a costume

2741
03:18:18.399 --> 03:18:22.440
and didn't want a costume, but he was never accused

2742
03:18:22.479 --> 03:18:26.079
of not being a team player, so he would head

2743
03:18:26.079 --> 03:18:29.360
over to Party Dollar and pick up the cheapest costume

2744
03:18:29.680 --> 03:18:32.879
he could get away with. Raymond settled with a seven

2745
03:18:32.959 --> 03:18:36.959
dollar vampire cape equipped with fake fangs and a tube

2746
03:18:37.000 --> 03:18:42.319
of blood jelly. The festival started around noon, so he'd

2747
03:18:42.319 --> 03:18:45.799
show up around ten to help the other staffers make

2748
03:18:45.840 --> 03:18:49.000
sure the tables in the cafeteria were set up for

2749
03:18:49.079 --> 03:18:54.479
the butchers, bakers, candlestick makers, and whoever the fuck else

2750
03:18:54.600 --> 03:18:58.840
needed a table at this bullshit festival is what Raymond thought,

2751
03:18:59.479 --> 03:19:03.200
but he'd think it with a smile on his face.

2752
03:19:04.600 --> 03:19:07.559
Butch Marker was one of those fifth grade boys that

2753
03:19:07.719 --> 03:19:12.280
Raymond didn't get along with. Butch, in truth, didn't get

2754
03:19:12.280 --> 03:19:16.040
along with very many authority figures. Since he went to

2755
03:19:16.079 --> 03:19:19.319
see the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off with his sister

2756
03:19:19.399 --> 03:19:23.319
the year before, he fancied himself to be like Ferris.

2757
03:19:24.040 --> 03:19:26.799
He wanted to be loved by everyone while pulling the

2758
03:19:26.840 --> 03:19:30.559
wool over people in charge. Problem was a lot of

2759
03:19:30.680 --> 03:19:34.479
kids didn't like him, and he really wasn't fooling anyone.

2760
03:19:35.200 --> 03:19:39.120
His best friend was Steve Vig, and he was the follower.

2761
03:19:39.879 --> 03:19:44.159
The boys hatched a plan for this year's Jack O'Lantern Jubilee.

2762
03:19:44.959 --> 03:19:49.159
Hey did you get them? Butch asked Steve. Steve was

2763
03:19:49.280 --> 03:19:53.479
nodding his bulbous head and smacking chewy candy between his

2764
03:19:53.600 --> 03:19:57.920
teeth as he held out the bag. Sweet, Butch said,

2765
03:19:58.239 --> 03:20:03.040
Snatching the bag from Steve, he peeked inside, a grinch

2766
03:20:03.239 --> 03:20:07.760
like smile spread under his nose. Hell, yeah, you get

2767
03:20:07.799 --> 03:20:12.079
them from Ricky? Yep, just like you said. He had

2768
03:20:12.079 --> 03:20:14.799
a bunch of them too. We gonna paint them up

2769
03:20:14.840 --> 03:20:18.879
like you said, Steve asked. His jowls shook as he

2770
03:20:18.920 --> 03:20:22.920
nodded his head like a lunatic. Butch often thought Steve

2771
03:20:23.120 --> 03:20:26.559
was the spitting image of a mini boss hog, and

2772
03:20:26.639 --> 03:20:30.200
he wasn't wrong. He was a short, fat kid with

2773
03:20:30.239 --> 03:20:33.159
a buzz cut so low that he may as well

2774
03:20:33.200 --> 03:20:37.360
be bald. Yeah, we're gonna paint them up. Come on,

2775
03:20:37.879 --> 03:20:40.719
Butch said, and Steve followed him to the shed in

2776
03:20:40.760 --> 03:20:44.520
the backyard. Butch dumped the cherry bombs on the workbench.

2777
03:20:45.159 --> 03:20:47.639
There was a can of orange spray paint along with

2778
03:20:47.719 --> 03:20:51.719
a small jar of black ink with an assortment of

2779
03:20:51.840 --> 03:20:56.440
tiny paint brushes. Steve shook the spray can and the

2780
03:20:56.479 --> 03:21:04.479
boys got to work. As the early birds filed into

2781
03:21:04.479 --> 03:21:09.719
the school cafeteria, Raymond helped fellow teacher Kathy Fletcher set

2782
03:21:09.799 --> 03:21:13.520
up the gift basket raffle booth. This was a big draw,

2783
03:21:14.000 --> 03:21:18.479
an assortment of gift baskets donated by local businesses and townsfolk.

2784
03:21:19.120 --> 03:21:22.959
Some of them had very good prizes, gift certificates to

2785
03:21:23.079 --> 03:21:28.280
fancy for the valley restaurants like Western Sizzlin and Red Lobster.

2786
03:21:29.000 --> 03:21:33.520
Some fantastic fishing gear from Spradley's bait and tackle. There

2787
03:21:33.600 --> 03:21:37.719
was always a nice quilt with other homemade accessories contributed

2788
03:21:38.040 --> 03:21:42.959
by Louise Utley baked goods galore in another basket. The

2789
03:21:42.959 --> 03:21:46.239
gift Basket Raffle was a can't miss and it was

2790
03:21:46.280 --> 03:21:48.440
held at the end of the day when the daytime

2791
03:21:48.479 --> 03:21:53.479
festivities would give way to the middle school dance. Lots

2792
03:21:53.520 --> 03:21:57.280
of nice stuff this year, Raymond said, Not bad at all,

2793
03:21:57.959 --> 03:22:02.120
Kathy replied as she pressed pushpin into the handwritten sign.

2794
03:22:02.639 --> 03:22:07.680
It read Gift Basket Raffle one dollar per ticket drawing

2795
03:22:07.760 --> 03:22:11.360
at six p m. Sharp. Got my eye on that quilt,

2796
03:22:11.959 --> 03:22:16.879
Cathy said. It was Halloween themed, adorned with bats, wide

2797
03:22:16.920 --> 03:22:21.760
eyed pumpkins, and sheeted ghosts. Yeah, that's quite a prize,

2798
03:22:22.000 --> 03:22:25.120
Raymond said, thinking to himself, what a crock of shit

2799
03:22:25.280 --> 03:22:28.799
this holiday was. It was going to be a long

2800
03:22:28.959 --> 03:22:32.920
day and he was dreading the dance, but on the

2801
03:22:32.920 --> 03:22:36.239
bright side, he wouldn't have to do this again next year.

2802
03:22:37.200 --> 03:22:40.559
No back to backs for faculty unless they volunteer, and

2803
03:22:40.680 --> 03:22:46.639
he certainly wasn't volunteering for this flea circus. Although seeing

2804
03:22:46.719 --> 03:22:51.719
Cindy dressed as Elvira, complete with the dress, black wig,

2805
03:22:52.239 --> 03:22:56.399
and push up bra wasn't exactly excruciating to look at.

2806
03:23:00.520 --> 03:23:07.840
The boys admired their handiwork. These are fucking awesome, Butch announced, yeah, awesome.

2807
03:23:08.319 --> 03:23:12.799
Steve parroted the little pumpkins with stem fuses looked back

2808
03:23:12.840 --> 03:23:18.000
at them different black grins adorned their little round faces.

2809
03:23:18.879 --> 03:23:23.280
They're going to shit their pants, Butch said, yeah, they're

2810
03:23:23.280 --> 03:23:26.920
gonna have to run to the crapper, Steve exclaimed, popping

2811
03:23:26.959 --> 03:23:30.000
another one of those gooey peanut butter dog shit Halloween

2812
03:23:30.079 --> 03:23:36.760
candies into his mouth. The jack O Lantern Jubilee was

2813
03:23:36.799 --> 03:23:41.120
something the valley folks looked forward to every Halloween, and

2814
03:23:41.200 --> 03:23:44.239
it seemed like all of the small towns that comprised

2815
03:23:44.239 --> 03:23:48.360
the valley showed up. Raymond was assisting Kathy at the

2816
03:23:48.399 --> 03:23:52.159
gift basket table. The line to buy raffle tickets was

2817
03:23:52.200 --> 03:23:54.520
almost to the double doors at the far end of

2818
03:23:54.559 --> 03:23:59.920
the cafeteria. He was tearing tickets, wishing this day was over.

2819
03:24:00.840 --> 03:24:03.760
He still had a dance to chaperone, and hiding the

2820
03:24:03.840 --> 03:24:07.120
disdain that wanted to move across his face was becoming

2821
03:24:07.719 --> 03:24:12.760
more and more difficult. Then he saw two of his

2822
03:24:12.840 --> 03:24:17.360
trouble makers poking around the tables. Steve was dressed in

2823
03:24:17.399 --> 03:24:21.360
a pretty decent Jason Vorhees get up a La Friday

2824
03:24:21.399 --> 03:24:25.879
the Thirteenth Part two, complete with the one eye pillowcase,

2825
03:24:26.280 --> 03:24:28.760
which Steve would have to cut two big holes in

2826
03:24:29.040 --> 03:24:32.360
very quickly so that he would stop slamming into people.

2827
03:24:33.239 --> 03:24:36.920
He was the proverbial bull in a china shop, smacking

2828
03:24:36.959 --> 03:24:40.280
his peanut butter dog shit candy under the pillowcase mask.

2829
03:24:41.000 --> 03:24:44.719
Butch was disguised as a werewolf with a brown wig

2830
03:24:44.799 --> 03:24:48.360
that was teased out to stand up high, black makeup

2831
03:24:48.399 --> 03:24:52.120
on his nose with brown smeared across his face. He

2832
03:24:52.200 --> 03:24:55.600
had a decent set of fake fangs, a tattered T shirt,

2833
03:24:55.879 --> 03:25:00.399
ripped jeans, and white canvas sneakers soaked in blood jelly.

2834
03:25:01.239 --> 03:25:04.319
The boys both had paper grocery sacks for trick or

2835
03:25:04.360 --> 03:25:08.280
treat bags. They were raiding the tables looking for candy,

2836
03:25:08.360 --> 03:25:11.639
and Raymond was trying to keep a close eye on

2837
03:25:11.719 --> 03:25:16.200
the two of them. Raymond eyes over here, Cathy said.

2838
03:25:16.879 --> 03:25:20.719
Raymond turned his attention back to see Missus Martha Jenkins

2839
03:25:20.760 --> 03:25:23.959
holding out a five dollar bill. She told Raymond what

2840
03:25:24.159 --> 03:25:27.440
baskets she was bidding for, and he tore the tickets,

2841
03:25:27.680 --> 03:25:31.600
took the money and dropped the stubs in their respective bowls.

2842
03:25:32.200 --> 03:25:35.040
He glanced over his shoulder, trying to get a location

2843
03:25:35.200 --> 03:25:39.239
on the troublemakers, but they were out of his field

2844
03:25:39.280 --> 03:25:50.559
of vision. You see turg burger, Butch asked, Huh, what's

2845
03:25:50.600 --> 03:25:55.280
a turg burger? Steve replied, Butch removed his fangs and said,

2846
03:25:55.920 --> 03:26:01.079
turd burglar. Did you see turd burglar? No, didn't see him.

2847
03:26:01.639 --> 03:26:06.360
Where's he at, Steve asked, smiling under the pillowcase. He's

2848
03:26:06.360 --> 03:26:09.360
at the gift basket table with Ms. Fletcher. You see

2849
03:26:09.360 --> 03:26:13.680
her bazongas Butch asked, raising his eyebrows. Damn it, No,

2850
03:26:14.319 --> 03:26:18.399
this pillowcase is bullshit. Steve said, well, if he's working

2851
03:26:18.440 --> 03:26:22.120
the tables, he's working the dance. Butch held up a

2852
03:26:22.159 --> 03:26:25.319
hand for a high five. Steve didn't see it, so

2853
03:26:25.440 --> 03:26:28.799
Butch smacked him on top of his head. Steve regrouped

2854
03:26:28.840 --> 03:26:33.000
and hit the high five. The boys continued making their rounds.

2855
03:26:33.639 --> 03:26:35.879
Seemed like there was going to be one hell of

2856
03:26:35.920 --> 03:26:39.360
a crowd at the dance. These fuckers will be shitting

2857
03:26:39.399 --> 03:26:42.920
themselves before the night was over, is what Butch was thinking.

2858
03:26:43.559 --> 03:26:47.719
Forty five minutes later, the kid was no older than

2859
03:26:47.840 --> 03:26:51.239
six or seven. He was a fine looking lad with

2860
03:26:51.360 --> 03:26:54.959
sandy blonde hair and blue eyes. He held a pumpkin

2861
03:26:55.120 --> 03:26:58.840
candy bucket and was moving with sugar fueled excitement to

2862
03:26:58.879 --> 03:27:03.399
each table, saying trick or cheat to whoever might drop

2863
03:27:03.479 --> 03:27:08.360
him some candy. Butch removed his fangs, nudged Steve, and asked,

2864
03:27:08.840 --> 03:27:11.639
who's that little shit stain? I've never seen him in

2865
03:27:11.680 --> 03:27:16.159
the valley. Don't know, Maybe he's an achin or augusta kid.

2866
03:27:16.600 --> 03:27:20.000
Steve replied, really paying no mind to the little boy.

2867
03:27:20.639 --> 03:27:23.040
Look at him. He's running all around like he's got

2868
03:27:23.040 --> 03:27:26.879
ants in his pants. Butch said. A gleam flashed in

2869
03:27:26.959 --> 03:27:32.280
his eyes, a gleam that Steve picked up on. So

2870
03:27:32.879 --> 03:27:36.920
are you thinking what I'm thinking? You're thinking? Steve asked,

2871
03:27:37.239 --> 03:27:41.600
The smile was growing under his mask. Yeah, he needs

2872
03:27:41.639 --> 03:27:46.079
some special candy in that bucket, don't you think, Butch asked,

2873
03:27:46.639 --> 03:27:50.479
feeling the bulge of pumpkin bombs in his pants pocket.

2874
03:27:50.840 --> 03:27:54.959
Steve was nodding and snickering, may as well get the

2875
03:27:54.959 --> 03:27:59.680
party started early. Raymond looked at his watch and thought

2876
03:27:59.680 --> 03:28:03.479
to him himself, do vampires really care what time it is?

2877
03:28:04.559 --> 03:28:07.479
But sure they do. They couldn't be caught out in

2878
03:28:07.479 --> 03:28:09.959
the stark light of day, or they would burn into

2879
03:28:10.000 --> 03:28:13.360
ash and blow away with the wind. The start of

2880
03:28:13.399 --> 03:28:16.719
the dance was just under two hours away. He could

2881
03:28:16.719 --> 03:28:19.319
see a lot of the middle schoolers milling around the

2882
03:28:19.360 --> 03:28:24.319
cafeteria in their scariest and goofiest get ups. He didn't

2883
03:28:24.360 --> 03:28:27.959
see his two trouble makers. He thought he shouldn't be

2884
03:28:28.000 --> 03:28:33.159
too uptight about it, but something wasn't quite right. He

2885
03:28:33.200 --> 03:28:36.319
would feel much more comfortable if he could put eyes

2886
03:28:36.360 --> 03:28:41.159
on them. Hey, kid, Butch said to the little boy.

2887
03:28:42.040 --> 03:28:45.600
Before the little boy turned to face him, the boy

2888
03:28:45.680 --> 03:28:50.399
placed a plastic pumpkin mask over his face. Chick or cheat,

2889
03:28:50.879 --> 03:28:55.639
the little boy said, exactly Steve said, and the boy

2890
03:28:55.719 --> 03:28:58.600
looked to his left, held out his candy bucket, and

2891
03:28:58.719 --> 03:29:04.200
repeated treat. Steve was removing candy from his own paper sack,

2892
03:29:04.559 --> 03:29:07.360
while Butch was flicking a bit as he pulled a

2893
03:29:07.399 --> 03:29:10.840
little pumpkin bomb from his pocket. The kid held the

2894
03:29:10.879 --> 03:29:14.639
bucket out to Steve. Steve had a fistful of candy

2895
03:29:14.959 --> 03:29:18.520
and was holding it precariously over the bucket. The little

2896
03:29:18.520 --> 03:29:22.559
boy was smiling under his mask. Butch lit the fuse.

2897
03:29:23.120 --> 03:29:26.159
He felt a sudden adrenaline rush, but fought it for

2898
03:29:26.479 --> 03:29:29.879
just a moment. He needed the fuse to burn down

2899
03:29:30.639 --> 03:29:34.840
just a bit. Steve was teasing the boy, not dropping

2900
03:29:34.879 --> 03:29:38.680
the candy into the bucket. Trick or treat, the little

2901
03:29:38.719 --> 03:29:43.239
boy shouted. Butch spun in front of Steve. Trick or treat, you,

2902
03:29:43.280 --> 03:29:47.159
little fucker. Butch dropped the pumpkin bomb into the bucket

2903
03:29:47.280 --> 03:29:50.719
and moved back fast. The little boy didn't have time

2904
03:29:50.799 --> 03:29:55.239
to say anything before the pumpkin exploded. The cherry bomb

2905
03:29:55.319 --> 03:29:59.360
had enough force to destroy a mailbox, candy and orange

2906
03:29:59.399 --> 03:30:03.920
plastic shrie Rapnel was sent flying. The boy screamed in terror.

2907
03:30:04.360 --> 03:30:07.680
The tops of four fingers on his right hand were

2908
03:30:07.719 --> 03:30:13.520
bloody stumps of bone. Raymond heard the ruckus on the

2909
03:30:13.559 --> 03:30:16.879
other side of the cafeteria. His hair stood on end.

2910
03:30:17.360 --> 03:30:20.000
The explosion, followed by the scream of a child, got

2911
03:30:20.120 --> 03:30:24.680
Raymond moving post haste. Other faculty members were ushering people

2912
03:30:24.719 --> 03:30:27.399
out of the cafeteria, just in case there was a

2913
03:30:27.440 --> 03:30:31.000
shooter in their midst Raymond knew it was those boys.

2914
03:30:31.760 --> 03:30:35.280
Kathy ran to the cafeteria kitchen to call the police,

2915
03:30:35.399 --> 03:30:38.680
Butch and Steve didn't hang around to admire their work.

2916
03:30:39.360 --> 03:30:42.040
The boys darted out the double doors and b lined

2917
03:30:42.079 --> 03:30:45.440
it for the gymnasium. They were laughing all the way

2918
03:30:45.520 --> 03:30:49.399
as they ran. The main gymnasium doors would be locked

2919
03:30:49.399 --> 03:30:52.760
because it wasn't yet time for the dance. But Butch

2920
03:30:52.840 --> 03:30:56.319
and Steve knew the janitor's entrance, and they never left

2921
03:30:56.319 --> 03:30:59.200
it locked because half of them had lost their keys

2922
03:31:00.239 --> 03:31:04.200
rushed inside. Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, was all

2923
03:31:04.239 --> 03:31:07.559
Steve could garble. Did you see that? Almost blew the

2924
03:31:07.559 --> 03:31:11.479
little shit's hand off. These fuckers are like dynamite, Butch said,

2925
03:31:11.520 --> 03:31:15.840
pulling a pumpkin bomb from his pocket. We're going to jail,

2926
03:31:16.239 --> 03:31:19.719
Steve said, as the stark realization of consequences overrode the

2927
03:31:19.840 --> 03:31:23.799
joy of the prank. The fuck we are Nobody knows

2928
03:31:23.799 --> 03:31:25.959
it was us. They all ran to the kid as

2929
03:31:25.959 --> 03:31:29.360
we scoot it out. Let's just hang out here until

2930
03:31:29.360 --> 03:31:33.040
the dance starts. We'll get lost in the crowd and

2931
03:31:33.159 --> 03:31:37.799
finish what we started. Butch said, confidently, you think they're

2932
03:31:37.879 --> 03:31:41.760
still gonna have the dance? After that? Steve asked, the

2933
03:31:41.840 --> 03:31:46.159
boys heard sirens and it wasn't just an ambulance. Butch

2934
03:31:46.280 --> 03:31:49.799
knew the distinct tone of the Burnett Town police sirens

2935
03:31:49.959 --> 03:31:53.000
because they had been called to Oak Street on more

2936
03:31:53.040 --> 03:31:57.520
than a few occasions in his short lifetime. No way

2937
03:31:57.559 --> 03:32:00.799
they're canceling the dance. No way that it's gonna happen.

2938
03:32:01.239 --> 03:32:04.319
Let's just stay here until it dies down. The janitor's

2939
03:32:04.319 --> 03:32:07.399
closet is the safest place to be right now, Butch said,

2940
03:32:08.079 --> 03:32:16.159
almost believing it. The little boy was screaming his head off.

2941
03:32:16.680 --> 03:32:20.600
Raymond took off his vampire cape and wrapped the kid's hand,

2942
03:32:20.760 --> 03:32:24.239
trying to apply pressure, but not really knowing what to

2943
03:32:24.319 --> 03:32:27.559
do with stark white bone and chunks of meat that

2944
03:32:27.760 --> 03:32:31.680
was one's fingers hanging from his hand. Where's his mother,

2945
03:32:32.159 --> 03:32:35.639
Raymond screamed at the bystanders. They all just gawked at

2946
03:32:35.639 --> 03:32:39.600
the scene until paramedics and police rushed through the cafeteria.

2947
03:32:40.360 --> 03:32:43.159
Raymond looked at the kid and said, it's going to

2948
03:32:43.200 --> 03:32:46.079
be okay. I'm going to get the kids that did

2949
03:32:46.120 --> 03:32:49.079
this to you, I promise, and I'll bring you all

2950
03:32:49.159 --> 03:32:52.760
of their candy. The little boy looked back at Raymond,

2951
03:32:53.239 --> 03:32:58.040
stopped screaming and spoke so calmly it startled Raymond into

2952
03:32:58.120 --> 03:33:04.760
paying close attention. In my pocket, the boy pointed to

2953
03:33:04.799 --> 03:33:07.840
his right pocket with his left hand. Get it out

2954
03:33:07.840 --> 03:33:13.680
and eat it. Be the pumpkin man and kill them.

2955
03:33:14.079 --> 03:33:17.680
Raymond was shocked at the calmness in the kid's voice.

2956
03:33:17.760 --> 03:33:20.799
He heard the medics getting closer, and he could see

2957
03:33:20.799 --> 03:33:24.680
the panic return to the kid's eyes. He reached into

2958
03:33:24.680 --> 03:33:28.600
the boy's pocket and pulled out a small plastic bag.

2959
03:33:29.600 --> 03:33:32.559
It was a black bag sealed with an orange topper.

2960
03:33:33.360 --> 03:33:37.600
It had green letters printed on the topper pumpkin potion.

2961
03:33:39.120 --> 03:33:42.319
Raymond backed away as the medics took the child away.

2962
03:33:42.959 --> 03:33:51.559
He would be an achin regional Within fifteen minutes, it

2963
03:33:51.639 --> 03:33:55.360
was determined the dance would continue, albeit not on time.

2964
03:33:56.239 --> 03:33:59.520
The police questioned the folks in the area, and they

2965
03:33:59.600 --> 03:34:02.440
gave to inscriptions of a fat kid with a pillowcase

2966
03:34:02.520 --> 03:34:05.920
mask and another kid dressed up like a monkey or

2967
03:34:05.959 --> 03:34:08.719
a werewolf running from the scene. When they heard an

2968
03:34:08.719 --> 03:34:13.879
explosion followed by a blood curdling scream, they did a

2969
03:34:13.920 --> 03:34:17.920
cursory search of the school. Raymond gave them the names

2970
03:34:17.959 --> 03:34:20.479
of the boys so their houses would be next on

2971
03:34:20.520 --> 03:34:24.799
the search list. They didn't find the boys. They were

2972
03:34:24.840 --> 03:34:29.159
tucked quietly away in the janitor's locker in the gym

2973
03:34:29.360 --> 03:34:31.520
and would stay there all night if they had to.

2974
03:34:32.479 --> 03:34:34.799
They would only come out if they heard the DJA

2975
03:34:34.959 --> 03:34:38.959
start playing tunes. Steve would take off his mask and

2976
03:34:39.040 --> 03:34:42.920
Butch would remove the wig. Luckily for the two of them,

2977
03:34:43.159 --> 03:34:45.959
there was an unopened bag of large sized white T

2978
03:34:46.159 --> 03:34:49.360
shirts in the locker that belonged to one of the janitors.

2979
03:34:50.079 --> 03:34:53.920
They ripped them open and changed their shirts. Butch removed

2980
03:34:53.920 --> 03:34:56.680
the makeup using soap and water from the janitor's sink.

2981
03:34:57.440 --> 03:35:00.120
There was a gallon of bleach under that sink that

2982
03:35:00.159 --> 03:35:02.799
he used to clean the blood jelly from his sneakers

2983
03:35:02.840 --> 03:35:06.280
as best he could. The boys could now pass as

2984
03:35:06.319 --> 03:35:12.520
hoboes if the dance ever started. The gymnasium opened its

2985
03:35:12.600 --> 03:35:16.600
doors an hour late. Kids were lined up waiting impatiently

2986
03:35:16.959 --> 03:35:21.760
and cheered. When the doors finally opened, Raymond was already inside,

2987
03:35:22.239 --> 03:35:26.280
waiting just inside the double doors. He was going to

2988
03:35:26.280 --> 03:35:30.639
put his eyes on every ghost and ghoul that walked inside.

2989
03:35:30.719 --> 03:35:34.159
The DJ was starting the show with everyone's Halloween favorite,

2990
03:35:34.799 --> 03:35:39.079
The Monster Mash. You ready, Butch asked, when he heard

2991
03:35:39.079 --> 03:35:44.879
the music kick in. Yeah, Steve hesitantly replied, shuffling his feet.

2992
03:35:45.559 --> 03:35:49.040
Maybe he finally realized that being friends with Butch wasn't

2993
03:35:49.799 --> 03:35:53.120
such a great idea If we need to get out, quick,

2994
03:35:53.239 --> 03:35:55.680
light a pumpkin and toss it in the crowd. Understand,

2995
03:35:56.120 --> 03:36:01.239
Butch asked, yeah, Steve replied. Butch opened the door and

2996
03:36:01.280 --> 03:36:04.639
the two hoboes stepped into the back of the gymnasium.

2997
03:36:04.879 --> 03:36:08.479
Kids were already dancing. Let me know if you see

2998
03:36:08.479 --> 03:36:11.319
turd Burglar, I want to give him a trick before

2999
03:36:11.319 --> 03:36:16.159
we leave, Butch said. Steve nodded his head but didn't

3000
03:36:16.200 --> 03:36:20.120
say a word. Monster Mash gave way to the Munster's

3001
03:36:20.239 --> 03:36:24.319
theme song. The boys walked around the edge of the gym.

3002
03:36:24.799 --> 03:36:34.040
There were so many people, so many cool costumes. Vampires werewolves, ghosts, zombies, demons, princesses.

3003
03:36:34.399 --> 03:36:38.440
Every Halloween character was represented. There were even a couple

3004
03:36:38.440 --> 03:36:42.680
of decent looking Freddy Krueger's turd Burglar. At twelve o'clock,

3005
03:36:43.040 --> 03:36:46.040
Butch said and nodded toward the double doors, where the

3006
03:36:46.079 --> 03:36:50.000
kids were still filing in. Let's just go, man, we

3007
03:36:50.040 --> 03:36:52.159
can get in some real shit if we hang around.

3008
03:36:52.680 --> 03:36:54.799
Let's just say hey to a couple of kids, so

3009
03:36:54.840 --> 03:36:58.159
we have a what do the cops call it on TV?

3010
03:36:59.120 --> 03:37:04.399
A billy ab alie. Steve asked, fuck that, and it's Alibi,

3011
03:37:04.520 --> 03:37:08.680
you moron, Butch replied. Steve felt a tap on his shoulder.

3012
03:37:09.280 --> 03:37:13.440
He gulped and turned. It was Miss Fletcher, and Steve

3013
03:37:13.559 --> 03:37:16.319
was getting an eye full of the bazongas he missed earlier.

3014
03:37:17.399 --> 03:37:20.159
You two need to come with me right now, she said,

3015
03:37:20.200 --> 03:37:23.399
as she reached for both of their hands. Steve, being

3016
03:37:23.600 --> 03:37:26.760
enamored with the bazongas, actually held his hand out before

3017
03:37:26.760 --> 03:37:30.000
Butch slapped it away. We ain't going nowhere with you,

3018
03:37:30.639 --> 03:37:35.040
Butch said. Cathy screamed out at the top of her lungs, Raymond,

3019
03:37:35.239 --> 03:37:39.120
They're over here. She grabbed for Steve since he was

3020
03:37:39.120 --> 03:37:41.440
the closest, and caught the back of his t shirt.

3021
03:37:41.719 --> 03:37:45.040
It ripped Haul Cogan style. As he pulled away from her,

3022
03:37:45.479 --> 03:37:48.799
Butch reached into his pocket and pulled out a pumpkin bomb.

3023
03:37:49.360 --> 03:37:53.319
He was crashing into kids left and right. Hey, hey, stop,

3024
03:37:53.799 --> 03:37:57.799
Raymond was hollering, getting closer to the boys, Butch fumbled

3025
03:37:57.799 --> 03:38:01.639
for the bick. Eddie Hardy, seven, greater and middle linebacker

3026
03:38:01.680 --> 03:38:05.239
for the LBC Lions, grabbed Butch around his waist and

3027
03:38:05.360 --> 03:38:09.200
tackled him to the gym floor. Butch was crawling and kicking.

3028
03:38:09.440 --> 03:38:13.360
The other kids were backing away. Steve stopped in his tracks.

3029
03:38:14.159 --> 03:38:16.719
His days of getting in trouble with Butch were going

3030
03:38:16.760 --> 03:38:19.920
to come to an end here. Butch was no fucking

3031
03:38:20.000 --> 03:38:25.200
Ferris Bueller, and he certainly wasn't Cameron fuck Butch. Raymond

3032
03:38:25.280 --> 03:38:29.000
was instructing Kathy to call the police. Eddie still had

3033
03:38:29.040 --> 03:38:32.719
his grip, but Butch wasn't trying to free himself. Butch

3034
03:38:32.959 --> 03:38:36.079
was busy. He lit the fuse and held it for

3035
03:38:36.120 --> 03:38:39.680
as long as he could. Raymond grabbed him by the shoulder,

3036
03:38:39.760 --> 03:38:44.600
trying to help Eddie keep Butch immobilized. Butch grinned as

3037
03:38:44.600 --> 03:38:49.760
he turned to see Raymond trick turd burglar. He screamed

3038
03:38:49.879 --> 03:38:53.200
and dropped the pumpkin bomb into Raymond's shirt pocket. It

3039
03:38:53.319 --> 03:38:58.799
exploded immediately. Raymond's glasses flew from his face. His eyes

3040
03:38:58.840 --> 03:39:01.959
felt as if they were o'er of hot lava melting

3041
03:39:02.040 --> 03:39:05.959
his brain. Eddie looked in horror at his seventh grade

3042
03:39:06.000 --> 03:39:10.479
science teacher. Butch stood up, laughing for all he was worth.

3043
03:39:11.280 --> 03:39:14.920
Steve pulled a pumpkin bomb from his own pocket, lit it,

3044
03:39:15.639 --> 03:39:19.319
and ran up to Butch. Butch held up a hand

3045
03:39:19.360 --> 03:39:22.959
to get a high five from his fat buddy. His

3046
03:39:23.079 --> 03:39:26.600
fat buddy grabbed Butch's sagging pants by the belt line,

3047
03:39:26.959 --> 03:39:33.479
grinned and shoved the pumpkin bomb down Butch's underwear. It exploded.

3048
03:39:34.200 --> 03:39:38.159
Butch fell to the floor. The crotch of his jeans

3049
03:39:38.200 --> 03:39:42.520
wore a black, smoldering hole. His twig and berries were

3050
03:39:42.559 --> 03:39:47.959
nothing more than a bloody ground mess. Fuck you, Butch,

3051
03:39:48.520 --> 03:39:53.959
Steve said as he walked away. Raymond couldn't see. He

3052
03:39:54.000 --> 03:39:57.280
could hear, but it sounded like everyone was in a tunnel.

3053
03:39:58.079 --> 03:40:05.200
Kathy ran to him. He mumbled a single word. Water, okay, okay.

3054
03:40:05.799 --> 03:40:08.760
Kathy got a cup from the stack near the punch bowl,

3055
03:40:09.159 --> 03:40:11.559
which was spiked when the first set of kids came

3056
03:40:11.639 --> 03:40:16.040
through and retrieved water from the fountain. Raymond fumbled with

3057
03:40:16.079 --> 03:40:19.879
the package. While Kathy was getting the water, he ripped

3058
03:40:19.920 --> 03:40:24.639
the orange topper from the pumpkin potion. Kathy attempted to

3059
03:40:24.680 --> 03:40:28.280
give him water. He held out his hand instead, and

3060
03:40:28.360 --> 03:40:31.399
she gave him the cup. He emptied the pouch of

3061
03:40:31.479 --> 03:40:35.000
pumpkin potion into his mouth and chased it down with

3062
03:40:35.120 --> 03:40:40.079
the water. Raymond, what are you doing, Kathy asked. She

3063
03:40:40.200 --> 03:40:44.959
reached down to help him. Raymond contorted in pain. His

3064
03:40:45.120 --> 03:40:49.680
bones literally sounded as if they were cracking. Sirens were coming.

3065
03:40:50.000 --> 03:40:53.040
He could hear them. He could hear her screaming for help.

3066
03:40:53.799 --> 03:40:59.239
Raymond could hear everything. No tunnel. His eyes were clear,

3067
03:41:00.120 --> 03:41:04.319
and the pain was gone. Raymond stood and held out

3068
03:41:04.360 --> 03:41:11.959
his hand. No stay away, he said. Cathy was wide eyed.

3069
03:41:12.959 --> 03:41:17.200
Raymond ran. His shoes burst under his feet. He escaped

3070
03:41:17.239 --> 03:41:21.440
the gym through the janitor's closet. He was gone. No

3071
03:41:21.520 --> 03:41:27.239
one would find him. Raymond Mathis was as good as dead.

3072
03:41:33.959 --> 03:41:36.920
It had been seventy two hours since the events at

3073
03:41:37.040 --> 03:41:41.719
LBC Middle School. Butch lived, but he was now a eunuch.

3074
03:41:42.399 --> 03:41:45.760
Steve turned himself into the police and confessed to what

3075
03:41:45.799 --> 03:41:49.440
the boys had done. The little boy was lying wide

3076
03:41:49.520 --> 03:41:52.920
awake in his hospital bed at two o'clock in the morning.

3077
03:41:53.920 --> 03:41:58.200
No mother, father, aunt, or uncle came to get him,

3078
03:41:58.600 --> 03:42:04.360
but someone did. The tall man walked quietly into the room.

3079
03:42:05.200 --> 03:42:08.959
The boy lit up, holding up his bandaged hand. Did

3080
03:42:09.000 --> 03:42:13.840
you kill them, the little boy asked no, but I

3081
03:42:13.959 --> 03:42:17.239
punished the one that did this to you. Are you

3082
03:42:17.319 --> 03:42:22.239
ready to go, my son? The tall man asked, I

3083
03:42:22.280 --> 03:42:26.399
am father. My daddy is the pumpkin man. The kid

3084
03:42:26.440 --> 03:42:29.120
said with an excitement that made the tall man smile.

3085
03:42:30.360 --> 03:42:34.520
I can fix your hand, you know, really truly fix it,

3086
03:42:35.000 --> 03:42:38.840
but there is a trade off. The tall man said,

3087
03:42:39.840 --> 03:42:45.079
what is it? The boy asked, You'll stay this age forever,

3088
03:42:45.600 --> 03:42:49.799
and I'll be with you forever. How does that sound,

3089
03:42:50.479 --> 03:42:54.639
the tall man asked. It's all I've ever wanted, said

3090
03:42:54.639 --> 03:42:59.520
the little boy, And at that moment, the little piece

3091
03:42:59.559 --> 03:43:03.520
of rain that was dying away inside the tall Man

3092
03:43:04.479 --> 03:43:23.280
finally appreciated Halloween. The Grinner by Henry Kutin. Halloween was

3093
03:43:23.360 --> 03:43:28.840
my absolute, one hundred percent all time favorite day of

3094
03:43:28.879 --> 03:43:32.399
the year. The moment I could see the leaves changing colors,

3095
03:43:32.440 --> 03:43:35.959
my mind would start to spin. I'd sit in school

3096
03:43:36.000 --> 03:43:40.200
with my leg nervously jumping as I drew zombies and

3097
03:43:40.399 --> 03:43:46.959
vampires attacking unsuspecting townspeople in my trapper keeper and hummed

3098
03:43:47.040 --> 03:43:51.799
the monster mash to myself. My grades definitely dip during

3099
03:43:51.840 --> 03:43:55.040
the fall, but who cares, It's just the start of

3100
03:43:55.079 --> 03:43:59.879
the school year. Anyway, I'd show plenty of improvement once Thanksgiving. Rolder,

3101
03:44:01.200 --> 03:44:04.280
I'm no schlub, though, I would start plotting out my

3102
03:44:04.440 --> 03:44:08.520
costume during summer break, gathering all the pieces from the

3103
03:44:08.559 --> 03:44:13.040
garage sales, thrift stores, and relatives we'd visit in Rhode Island.

3104
03:44:13.719 --> 03:44:16.959
The ride from Ohio was like sixteen hours, so the

3105
03:44:17.040 --> 03:44:20.280
least they could do was help me out. My Dracula

3106
03:44:20.319 --> 03:44:24.079
outfit last year was a plus, and every kid at

3107
03:44:24.120 --> 03:44:28.200
school was impressed. Even the upper classmen bully types had

3108
03:44:28.239 --> 03:44:31.799
to admit my fangs and fake blood were startlingly realistic.

3109
03:44:32.600 --> 03:44:35.319
So realistic, in fact, that they sent me to the

3110
03:44:35.399 --> 03:44:37.600
nurse and made me scrub it off with some weird,

3111
03:44:37.680 --> 03:44:41.639
smelling off brand pink hand soap. When I was four

3112
03:44:41.719 --> 03:44:45.159
years old, I was a power Ranger. Don't judge me,

3113
03:44:45.520 --> 03:44:50.159
they were awesome. Five was a mummy, mainly because my

3114
03:44:50.319 --> 03:44:53.399
dad was an r nurse and he brought home boatloads

3115
03:44:53.440 --> 03:44:58.159
of bandages. At six, I tried Dracula for the first time.

3116
03:44:58.799 --> 03:45:02.479
I was a total uber, though, and had those cheesy

3117
03:45:02.559 --> 03:45:06.159
plastic fangs that never stay in place and they're pretty

3118
03:45:06.200 --> 03:45:09.639
much guaranteed to make your gums bleed. I also had

3119
03:45:09.760 --> 03:45:13.799
the most obscenely long painted on widow's peak that my

3120
03:45:13.920 --> 03:45:17.520
mom did up in black makeup. Seven was when I

3121
03:45:17.639 --> 03:45:21.799
really started hitting my stride, though. That's when I discovered

3122
03:45:21.840 --> 03:45:26.360
Saturday nightmares. On TV. My mom and dad loved watching it,

3123
03:45:26.639 --> 03:45:30.479
and it was way too scary for kids. I would

3124
03:45:30.479 --> 03:45:32.760
stretch out on the love seat next to them and

3125
03:45:32.840 --> 03:45:37.159
pretend to fall asleep. I would then go totally dead

3126
03:45:37.200 --> 03:45:40.040
weight and grouchy. When they tried to pry me off

3127
03:45:40.159 --> 03:45:43.520
and put me to bed, They'd give up and I'd

3128
03:45:43.600 --> 03:45:48.799
get to lay there sneaking peaks of Jason Vorhees, Dracula,

3129
03:45:49.200 --> 03:45:55.079
candy Man, and so many more the perfect crime. So

3130
03:45:55.239 --> 03:45:58.879
my costume at seven years old was Jason. I ripped

3131
03:45:58.959 --> 03:46:01.680
up some old clothes and got a hockey mask out

3132
03:46:01.719 --> 03:46:04.639
of an old trunk in the garage. I made a

3133
03:46:04.879 --> 03:46:08.600
big machete out of a cardboard box and was out

3134
03:46:08.639 --> 03:46:14.440
in the neighborhood stalking for camp counselors to skewer. When

3135
03:46:14.440 --> 03:46:17.920
I was eight, I did Frankenstein, but I made all

3136
03:46:18.000 --> 03:46:24.479
my body parts nasty different colors, greens, grays, reds. I

3137
03:46:24.600 --> 03:46:28.559
really did look like a hodgepodge of stolen body parts

3138
03:46:28.600 --> 03:46:32.760
stitched together. That was the first year I made another

3139
03:46:32.799 --> 03:46:37.879
trigger treater cry sweet Action. At nine, I wore the

3140
03:46:37.920 --> 03:46:42.520
aforementioned Dracula costume, and I was the most rad Prince

3141
03:46:42.559 --> 03:46:47.799
of darkness anyone had ever seen. I practiced my accent

3142
03:46:47.920 --> 03:46:52.120
in the mirror every morning, with my fangs in. Of course,

3143
03:46:53.120 --> 03:46:55.440
I even bought Dentsuer glue to keep them in my

3144
03:46:55.559 --> 03:47:00.840
mouth securely. It tasted awful, by the way. This year, though,

3145
03:47:01.200 --> 03:47:05.040
I really had to go all out because I was

3146
03:47:05.200 --> 03:47:09.360
ten and I got my first invitation to an older

3147
03:47:09.440 --> 03:47:12.760
kid party. It may not seem like a big deal

3148
03:47:12.799 --> 03:47:16.079
to you, but middle schoolers usually never want anything to

3149
03:47:16.120 --> 03:47:19.879
do with elementary schoolers. I got on their radar when

3150
03:47:20.120 --> 03:47:23.600
words spread I had a video copy of sleep Away

3151
03:47:23.639 --> 03:47:27.719
Camp two and the king of gross out party movies,

3152
03:47:28.319 --> 03:47:32.600
Faces of Death. In our small town, getting a copy

3153
03:47:32.639 --> 03:47:36.280
of the most notorious horror movie of all time, banned

3154
03:47:36.280 --> 03:47:41.040
in forty six countries was nearly impossible, but thanks to

3155
03:47:41.079 --> 03:47:44.280
my summer trips to New England, I managed to score

3156
03:47:44.319 --> 03:47:47.959
a copy. I may have convinced my grandma that it

3157
03:47:48.040 --> 03:47:52.959
was a cartoon based on the illustrated hooded skeleton on

3158
03:47:53.000 --> 03:47:57.840
the cover. This is great and all except for one issue.

3159
03:47:57.920 --> 03:48:00.760
These cool older kids are just going to put my

3160
03:48:00.879 --> 03:48:04.000
movies on and then ignore me the whole night. But

3161
03:48:04.159 --> 03:48:08.719
not if tonight, when according to plan Earth to Robbie

3162
03:48:09.000 --> 03:48:13.280
come in Robbie. A playfully annoyed voice blasted me back

3163
03:48:13.319 --> 03:48:16.440
to reality, where I stood next to my locker at school.

3164
03:48:17.440 --> 03:48:21.399
Uh what, I replied, trying to remember if I was

3165
03:48:21.399 --> 03:48:24.120
in a conversation with my best friend Michael and forgot,

3166
03:48:24.639 --> 03:48:28.000
or if he'd just walked up to me daydreaming about

3167
03:48:28.040 --> 03:48:31.520
the Girl's Gone Wild commercial again. Huh, Michael said, with

3168
03:48:31.600 --> 03:48:35.520
a huge cheese eating grin on his face. He was

3169
03:48:35.559 --> 03:48:40.319
a degenerate, but he was my degenerate. Shut up. I

3170
03:48:40.440 --> 03:48:44.639
was just plotting out tonight. Michael shifted his weight from

3171
03:48:44.639 --> 03:48:46.840
one foot to the other as he regained a grip

3172
03:48:46.879 --> 03:48:50.840
on his binder, which was undoubtedly full of comic books

3173
03:48:50.879 --> 03:48:54.840
and not a single piece of schoolwork. Oh yeah, you're

3174
03:48:54.879 --> 03:48:57.920
going to that middle schooler party, the one I'm not

3175
03:48:58.079 --> 03:49:02.280
cool enough to tag along to. Once I blow them

3176
03:49:02.280 --> 03:49:05.479
away with faces of death and my Freddy Krueger costume,

3177
03:49:05.719 --> 03:49:08.319
they're going to realize how cool I am for my age,

3178
03:49:08.719 --> 03:49:11.239
and then we can work on convincing them about you too.

3179
03:49:12.159 --> 03:49:15.120
I meant it as badly as I wanted to be cool.

3180
03:49:15.280 --> 03:49:18.319
Michael had been my best friend since kindergarten, and I

3181
03:49:18.319 --> 03:49:22.000
wouldn't want him to be left out. Yeah, yeah, great,

3182
03:49:22.479 --> 03:49:25.479
we're still trigger treating together, right, he asked, as he

3183
03:49:25.559 --> 03:49:30.520
tried not to sound too disappointed. Duh, we're taking this

3184
03:49:30.680 --> 03:49:33.719
town for all of its candy. I raised my hand

3185
03:49:33.760 --> 03:49:37.360
for a high five, then quickly realized Michael had both

3186
03:49:37.360 --> 03:49:40.920
his hands full. My eyes narrowed as I got very

3187
03:49:41.000 --> 03:49:45.920
serious and leaned in close. So here's the plan. We

3188
03:49:46.079 --> 03:49:48.520
score all the candy up the south side of town.

3189
03:49:49.280 --> 03:49:53.040
Then when we loop back around, we stopped by the Grinner.

3190
03:49:53.879 --> 03:49:56.520
I thought we agreed we'd steer clear of the Grinner

3191
03:49:56.520 --> 03:50:01.040
this year, Michael replied with a whine. The Grinner was

3192
03:50:01.079 --> 03:50:04.879
a scarecrow like dummy placed in front of McClellan Hall,

3193
03:50:05.360 --> 03:50:08.959
which was a creepy old, beat up historical landmark and

3194
03:50:09.239 --> 03:50:12.440
former funeral home. Every year for as long as I

3195
03:50:12.479 --> 03:50:15.559
could remember, the Grinner was put on the front steps

3196
03:50:15.600 --> 03:50:18.440
of the hall with a big fat bowl of candy

3197
03:50:18.520 --> 03:50:21.920
in its lap and a sign that said please take

3198
03:50:22.000 --> 03:50:27.200
only one, which we had always ignored. The only problem

3199
03:50:27.239 --> 03:50:32.680
with the Grinner was well the grin, the weird sack

3200
03:50:32.879 --> 03:50:35.959
like head had warped in strange ways over the years.

3201
03:50:36.520 --> 03:50:40.799
It seemed like every Halloween, the hellish smile was more

3202
03:50:40.879 --> 03:50:46.520
lopsided and deformed and terrifying. Most of the younger kids

3203
03:50:46.559 --> 03:50:48.639
never dared to get a piece of candy from the

3204
03:50:48.680 --> 03:50:52.239
Grinner at all. I would never hesitate to grab a

3205
03:50:52.280 --> 03:50:55.760
couple of extra fun sized kitkats, even if it gave

3206
03:50:55.799 --> 03:51:01.079
me the creeps. It was kind of fun until last year.

3207
03:51:02.040 --> 03:51:04.600
Michael and I were getting ready to fill our bags

3208
03:51:04.600 --> 03:51:07.920
with candy from the large and mostly full bucket of

3209
03:51:07.920 --> 03:51:11.559
sweet treats. Mike was trying to stop me from taking

3210
03:51:11.600 --> 03:51:14.440
more than one because I guess his old man had

3211
03:51:14.440 --> 03:51:18.760
told him if you cross the Grinner, he eats kids. Yeah,

3212
03:51:18.799 --> 03:51:21.159
that's so believable and not just the kind of crap

3213
03:51:21.239 --> 03:51:24.159
parents make up on the spot to scare us. Not

3214
03:51:25.479 --> 03:51:27.840
so I went to fill my bag with ill gotten

3215
03:51:27.920 --> 03:51:33.600
gains when all of a sudden, the Grinner moved. We

3216
03:51:33.719 --> 03:51:36.280
both jumped back and let out yelps as a jet

3217
03:51:36.319 --> 03:51:40.559
black cat skittered past us. Stupid cat nearly made me

3218
03:51:40.639 --> 03:51:43.760
jump out of my skin. Michael fell flat on his

3219
03:51:43.799 --> 03:51:46.760
butt off the stoop on the way home that night.

3220
03:51:47.040 --> 03:51:51.440
He made me promise we'd never ever bother going to

3221
03:51:51.520 --> 03:51:59.559
the Grinner's house. But desperate times call for desperate measures. God, Robbie,

3222
03:52:00.000 --> 03:52:02.600
I want to take the grinner's candy to that stupid party.

3223
03:52:03.120 --> 03:52:09.719
Michael groaned, what no anybody can buy candy. I'm going

3224
03:52:09.799 --> 03:52:14.680
to take the grinner's head, I smiled, as if I

3225
03:52:14.760 --> 03:52:19.959
had long, sharp teeth to bear. Michael's words exploded out

3226
03:52:20.000 --> 03:52:24.079
of him. Are you kidding that? That's insane? All of

3227
03:52:24.120 --> 03:52:26.639
his school supplies fell out of his arms and onto

3228
03:52:26.680 --> 03:52:29.600
the floor, as he didn't even acknowledge the mess he

3229
03:52:29.639 --> 03:52:34.959
had made. Relax, it's just a dummy. My confidence wasn't waning.

3230
03:52:36.479 --> 03:52:39.559
We don't know that. No one even knows who puts

3231
03:52:39.600 --> 03:52:44.200
him there. Michael dropped down to gather his belongings. It's

3232
03:52:44.360 --> 03:52:47.479
probably like the mayor or the school board or something.

3233
03:52:47.959 --> 03:52:51.360
I squatted down to help him gather his comics. So

3234
03:52:51.440 --> 03:52:55.600
were you in it would be ultimate. Michael looks up

3235
03:52:55.600 --> 03:53:06.000
at me. No, would you slow down? Michael yelled as

3236
03:53:06.040 --> 03:53:08.799
he sucked on a jolly rancher. Six steps behind me.

3237
03:53:09.600 --> 03:53:12.479
The streets were dark. Most of the other kids had

3238
03:53:12.520 --> 03:53:15.840
already called it a night, but we had one last

3239
03:53:15.879 --> 03:53:21.319
stop before I became the King of Halloween to all

3240
03:53:21.479 --> 03:53:25.760
the middle schoolers. Michael and I walked up to McClellan

3241
03:53:25.879 --> 03:53:29.959
Hall and stopped dead in front, just barely outside of

3242
03:53:30.000 --> 03:53:33.760
the glow of the nearest street light. There he was,

3243
03:53:35.040 --> 03:53:39.479
The Grinner was sitting in his usual disheveled manner. His

3244
03:53:39.680 --> 03:53:42.920
smile was warped up the side of his head. The

3245
03:53:43.040 --> 03:53:47.920
stitched lips looked oddly convincing in the dark, like they

3246
03:53:47.920 --> 03:53:50.920
were going to spread apart at any moment and reveal

3247
03:53:51.280 --> 03:53:55.280
rows of teeth like a shark. I stared hard at

3248
03:53:55.280 --> 03:53:58.360
the Grinner as I formulated a game plan for the

3249
03:53:58.479 --> 03:54:02.680
soon to come decapitate. From as far as I could tell,

3250
03:54:02.719 --> 03:54:06.159
it was barely attached to anything. The way it sat

3251
03:54:06.200 --> 03:54:09.959
on its shoulders and tattered double breasted jacket made it

3252
03:54:10.000 --> 03:54:14.840
seem free of much resistance. Michael stood still, his white

3253
03:54:14.879 --> 03:54:17.920
Michael Meyer's Halloween mask hanging on top of his head

3254
03:54:17.959 --> 03:54:22.280
like a hat. He sighed deeply as he crunched hard

3255
03:54:22.319 --> 03:54:28.159
candy between his teeth. Dude, no, don't do it. I

3256
03:54:28.200 --> 03:54:31.159
couldn't believe he was still so scared. This was the

3257
03:54:31.239 --> 03:54:33.760
kid who watched Evil Dead at three thirty am in

3258
03:54:33.799 --> 03:54:36.559
the morning, after I had fallen asleep an hour earlier.

3259
03:54:37.120 --> 03:54:40.520
Michael could be a spaz sometimes, but he was never

3260
03:54:40.639 --> 03:54:44.760
a woos. My eyes went from him back to the grinner,

3261
03:54:45.280 --> 03:54:51.040
whose demented happy face remained thankfully unchanged. At that moment,

3262
03:54:51.120 --> 03:54:56.639
I realized maybe I was a little scared too, Mikey,

3263
03:54:57.200 --> 03:54:59.840
if you're that afraid, it's okay. You can go home

3264
03:55:00.000 --> 03:55:02.680
and I'll take care of business. The party isn't far

3265
03:55:02.719 --> 03:55:06.479
from here anyhow, I bluffed, knowing full well that he

3266
03:55:06.479 --> 03:55:10.360
would never leave me alone in such a situation. Plus

3267
03:55:10.559 --> 03:55:13.600
I really didn't want him to. It was a creepy night,

3268
03:55:13.639 --> 03:55:17.399
and I felt better with him having my back. Okay,

3269
03:55:17.680 --> 03:55:20.959
see tomorrow. All of a sudden, my best friend turned

3270
03:55:21.000 --> 03:55:24.959
into a chubby, Midwestern speedy Gunzales as he ran out

3271
03:55:24.959 --> 03:55:27.639
of sight faster than I had ever seen him move before.

3272
03:55:28.680 --> 03:55:31.920
Dang it, I yelled as I stood there all alone,

3273
03:55:32.399 --> 03:55:36.920
nervously picking at my Freddy Krueger melted skin makeup, which

3274
03:55:37.040 --> 03:55:40.239
was failing to stay adhered to my face. I'd have

3275
03:55:40.360 --> 03:55:42.319
to stop by home on my way to the party

3276
03:55:42.360 --> 03:55:46.200
to get more spirit gum My plastic razor glove replica

3277
03:55:46.360 --> 03:55:49.600
was tapping on my sack of candy as I stalled

3278
03:55:49.639 --> 03:55:54.760
for dear life. I really wasn't alone, though. The Grinner

3279
03:55:54.879 --> 03:55:58.200
hadn't moved a millimeter in the four or five minutes

3280
03:55:58.360 --> 03:56:03.680
since I arrived. Thank God for small favors. I suddenly

3281
03:56:03.719 --> 03:56:06.559
realized I had been staring with my jaw agape at

3282
03:56:06.600 --> 03:56:11.200
the freaky shape and averted my eyes. I'm from the Midwest,

3283
03:56:11.280 --> 03:56:13.760
and my mama taught me it's not polite to stare.

3284
03:56:14.559 --> 03:56:18.559
It was a reflex. The sounds of crickets and distant

3285
03:56:18.639 --> 03:56:21.479
dogs barking were deafening to my ears. As I now

3286
03:56:21.520 --> 03:56:25.520
stood in front of McClellan Hall, purposefully not looking at

3287
03:56:25.520 --> 03:56:29.479
the Grinner. A feeling started to rumble inside me as

3288
03:56:29.520 --> 03:56:34.559
I realized I felt angry. I was really ticked off.

3289
03:56:35.479 --> 03:56:38.399
Come on, I'm the king of Halloween. I'm the kid

3290
03:56:38.399 --> 03:56:40.799
that watched all seven Nightmare on Elm Street movies in

3291
03:56:40.799 --> 03:56:44.000
a row. I've played with Ouiji boards on Friday the thirteenth.

3292
03:56:44.200 --> 03:56:47.479
The Grinner was just some stupid life sized sock puppet

3293
03:56:47.639 --> 03:56:49.959
that we turned into a legend because our town is

3294
03:56:50.120 --> 03:56:54.239
that boring. My chest puffed out under my red and

3295
03:56:54.280 --> 03:56:59.559
green striped sweater. I'm Robin Osborne. I am not afraid

3296
03:56:59.760 --> 03:57:04.440
of anything. Tonight is Halloween, the one night a year

3297
03:57:04.680 --> 03:57:07.719
when the stupid and gross things I love are cool.

3298
03:57:08.440 --> 03:57:12.280
It's my night, dang it. I stomped my feet hard

3299
03:57:12.319 --> 03:57:14.879
as I headed straight for the Grinner, who sat still

3300
03:57:14.920 --> 03:57:19.520
in his chair, candy bowl waiting. I stopped as I

3301
03:57:19.600 --> 03:57:24.360
was almost exactly face to stitched up sack with him.

3302
03:57:24.920 --> 03:57:27.639
I looked down at the handwritten sign around his neck.

3303
03:57:28.479 --> 03:57:34.520
Please take only one. The only was underlined. I read

3304
03:57:34.520 --> 03:57:38.559
that phrase three or four times. Then I laughed to

3305
03:57:38.600 --> 03:57:43.079
myself and reached into the bowl. Thanks, old pal, I

3306
03:57:43.200 --> 03:57:47.360
taunted as I took exactly two pieces and placed them

3307
03:57:47.360 --> 03:57:51.559
into my bag. I flinched out of nowhere, like something

3308
03:57:51.559 --> 03:57:56.680
had startled me, except there was nothing, nothing but silence.

3309
03:57:57.760 --> 03:58:01.559
The Grinner was as motionless as ever. I took a

3310
03:58:01.600 --> 03:58:05.280
few deep breaths as I regained my calm. I locked

3311
03:58:05.319 --> 03:58:09.360
my eyes on its lumpy visage. That grin of his

3312
03:58:09.719 --> 03:58:13.680
really was eerie, but it was time for me to

3313
03:58:13.719 --> 03:58:19.120
get ahead. For once get it ahead. I set my

3314
03:58:19.280 --> 03:58:22.159
candy down on the grass and brought both of my

3315
03:58:22.280 --> 03:58:27.159
hands up. I stopped and removed my plastic Freddy Krueger glove.

3316
03:58:28.000 --> 03:58:31.479
It may have been great for slashing teenagers, but its

3317
03:58:31.520 --> 03:58:36.079
tensile strength was well below par my palms were both

3318
03:58:36.200 --> 03:58:40.680
so unbelievably clammy. Even in the crisp forty six degree night,

3319
03:58:42.000 --> 03:58:47.479
my hands were finally functioning again and going closer and

3320
03:58:47.639 --> 03:58:53.079
closer to the Grinner's noggin. I winced, ever so slightly,

3321
03:58:53.799 --> 03:58:57.639
when my hands made contact with the coarse fabric that

3322
03:58:57.760 --> 03:59:02.120
made up his flesh. It felt a bit harder than

3323
03:59:02.159 --> 03:59:06.079
I was expecting, definitely not filled with hay or cotton.

3324
03:59:06.719 --> 03:59:10.719
I grasped both sides of the head and took a

3325
03:59:10.760 --> 03:59:15.040
deep breath while biting down softly on my tongue. As

3326
03:59:15.079 --> 03:59:18.200
I lifted the head, I was also surprised by the

3327
03:59:18.200 --> 03:59:21.399
weight of it. I could still lift it no problem,

3328
03:59:21.440 --> 03:59:25.600
but I had expected it to be pretty airy. Must

3329
03:59:25.639 --> 03:59:28.959
be filled with sand or kitty litter or something. I

3330
03:59:29.079 --> 03:59:32.280
was right. The head doesn't appear to be attached by

3331
03:59:32.360 --> 03:59:36.280
more than a couple of threads. I lifted harder and

3332
03:59:36.479 --> 03:59:39.959
heard the few threads snap. As I held the head

3333
03:59:40.000 --> 03:59:45.639
above the padded shoulders ah the Grinner's arms suddenly shot

3334
03:59:45.719 --> 03:59:47.879
up and grabbed me by the wrists. I bit my

3335
03:59:47.959 --> 03:59:51.399
tongue hard as my entire body tensed in absolute terror.

3336
03:59:51.959 --> 03:59:54.840
He pulled my arms downward and forced me to place

3337
03:59:54.879 --> 03:59:59.639
his head on the makeshift neck. At that moment, the

3338
03:59:59.680 --> 04:00:04.120
grin stood up. Our height difference was sizeable, to say

3339
04:00:04.159 --> 04:00:09.879
the least. Oh my god. The stitched lips began to separate,

3340
04:00:11.079 --> 04:00:14.760
but instead of revealing roe upon row of carnivorous teeth,

3341
04:00:15.600 --> 04:00:21.000
he had more average teeth. In fact, his two front

3342
04:00:21.000 --> 04:00:25.639
teeth protruded lower than the rest. The bucktoothed living dummy

3343
04:00:25.799 --> 04:00:30.959
smiled and began to speak. Hello boy, are you having

3344
04:00:31.040 --> 04:00:35.879
a happy Halloween? He hissed in an oddly friendly tone.

3345
04:00:37.040 --> 04:00:39.959
I tried to answer as best I could, but I

3346
04:00:40.120 --> 04:00:48.000
was gagging on blood flowing freely from my tongue. Yes, well,

3347
04:00:48.799 --> 04:00:51.360
just you wait, You and I are going to have

3348
04:00:51.559 --> 04:00:57.159
the best Halloween ever, full of adventures, laughter, and candy. Candy, candy.

3349
04:00:57.879 --> 04:01:04.280
He chuckled his laughter child with glee. Really, I didn't

3350
04:01:04.360 --> 04:01:08.559
know what to think. Of course, I exist for Halloween.

3351
04:01:08.639 --> 04:01:11.719
It's my favorite night, and you've awakened me to be

3352
04:01:11.799 --> 04:01:15.959
your companion for a spooky good time. The grinner then

3353
04:01:16.079 --> 04:01:19.239
puffed out his chest as he began to recite a

3354
04:01:19.239 --> 04:01:22.280
poem that reminded me of black and white movies.

3355
04:01:23.920 --> 04:01:28.000
One hundred years and one hundred nights for all the children.

3356
04:01:28.159 --> 04:01:32.239
I bring them frights, But I'm really truly quite kind.

3357
04:01:32.680 --> 04:01:36.719
Only fun and friends are on my mind. I participate

3358
04:01:36.799 --> 04:01:40.559
in all the spooky fun. My only rule is that

3359
04:01:40.600 --> 04:01:44.840
you take only one. The truth is, boy, you're a winner.

3360
04:01:45.159 --> 04:01:47.280
You've made best friends with the Grinner.

3361
04:01:48.639 --> 04:01:51.799
So we're gonna have fun and get candy, and you're

3362
04:01:51.840 --> 04:01:56.719
gonna show me Halloween's magic. The Grinner laughed so deeply,

3363
04:01:57.399 --> 04:02:06.799
so truly, with happiness and joy. Oh goodness, no I

3364
04:02:06.959 --> 04:02:13.799
eat children. As his smile opened, his mouth grew and grew,

3365
04:02:14.879 --> 04:02:27.000
and I never did. Ghost in the Graveyard by Rob Fields.

3366
04:02:28.600 --> 04:02:32.520
It was the final week of October in Strickfield. After

3367
04:02:32.600 --> 04:02:36.600
the previous year's Halloween. The people of Strickfield had voted

3368
04:02:36.600 --> 04:02:40.760
into village law by a huge majority that tricker Treating

3369
04:02:40.879 --> 04:02:46.000
was extended to a full week instead of just Halloween

3370
04:02:46.079 --> 04:02:50.639
Eve and Halloween Night as in previous years. The news

3371
04:02:50.639 --> 04:02:54.799
had reached surrounding villages and even the bigger megalopolises like

3372
04:02:54.879 --> 04:02:59.799
Shore City and Erie City. People came from everywhere to

3373
04:02:59.799 --> 04:03:03.879
take part in the legendary event. Because there was never

3374
04:03:04.000 --> 04:03:08.360
any age discrimination, and with the annual tradition being a

3375
04:03:08.399 --> 04:03:13.280
week more people came than ever. It was on the

3376
04:03:13.399 --> 04:03:18.639
final night, Halloween Night, when Bill Chapman, Brian Chunk, and

3377
04:03:18.760 --> 04:03:23.280
Richie Horton were out making their rounds. Their pillowcases were

3378
04:03:23.399 --> 04:03:28.159
stuffed with all the candy and other goodies they'd collected. Man,

3379
04:03:28.440 --> 04:03:31.719
I can't believe we actually did the whole week. Horton,

3380
04:03:31.840 --> 04:03:35.559
who was dressed as a Cobra Chai fighter, said, I know,

3381
04:03:35.680 --> 04:03:38.440
we said we'd do a few days, but I know.

3382
04:03:39.079 --> 04:03:42.200
Chapman agreed, who was dressed as an army soldier to

3383
04:03:42.280 --> 04:03:45.559
match his crew cut. Yeah, but look at all the

3384
04:03:45.639 --> 04:03:49.719
candy we got. Chunker reminded them he was dressed as

3385
04:03:49.719 --> 04:03:52.920
a zombie. We got so much stuff, we'll probably be

3386
04:03:53.000 --> 04:03:57.520
eating it until next Halloween. Chapman sneered, I'd be surprised

3387
04:03:57.559 --> 04:04:01.520
if even you can eat that much candy. Chunk Chunker

3388
04:04:01.600 --> 04:04:04.319
had made good on his promise to lose weight upon

3389
04:04:04.399 --> 04:04:09.200
surviving their horrible ordeal with Abigail Tomlin in what seemed

3390
04:04:09.280 --> 04:04:12.879
like only a few short months ago. He was still

3391
04:04:12.920 --> 04:04:16.360
a little chunky, but his weight loss was quite noticeable.

3392
04:04:16.399 --> 04:04:20.159
Between the summer and now. In spite of the weight loss,

3393
04:04:20.239 --> 04:04:24.440
Chunker found he still had his same monstrous appetite and

3394
04:04:24.600 --> 04:04:27.440
exercised more in order to keep from putting the weight

3395
04:04:27.520 --> 04:04:32.600
back on. Chunker'll probably end up getting diabetes, Horton stated.

3396
04:04:33.399 --> 04:04:39.639
When Chapman and Horton both laughed, Chunker just looked at them. Yeah, yeah, man,

3397
04:04:39.719 --> 04:04:43.559
these pillow sacks are heavy. Chapman said, maybe we should

3398
04:04:43.600 --> 04:04:48.079
head back to the clubhouse again. Good idea, Horton agreed.

3399
04:04:48.920 --> 04:04:51.479
The boys walked a couple of blocks to get to

3400
04:04:51.520 --> 04:04:55.479
their clubhouse, which was the old tool shed in Chunker's backyard.

3401
04:04:56.040 --> 04:04:58.719
His dad built a new garage with some extra space

3402
04:04:58.760 --> 04:05:01.639
for the tools and told Brian he and his friends

3403
04:05:01.680 --> 04:05:05.399
could use the old shed for their hangout. They walked

3404
04:05:05.440 --> 04:05:08.799
in and emptied their pillowcases into the large chest, where

3405
04:05:08.840 --> 04:05:12.879
their haul for the week continued to grow and grow.

3406
04:05:13.600 --> 04:05:15.680
Looks like if we make one last set of rounds,

3407
04:05:15.680 --> 04:05:19.440
we can actually fill this bad boy up completely, Chunker stated.

3408
04:05:20.360 --> 04:05:23.600
Chapman looked at his watch. We still got time. We

3409
04:05:23.719 --> 04:05:25.959
started at six and trig or treating doesn't get done

3410
04:05:26.040 --> 04:05:30.239
until midnight, and there's no school tomorrow. Horton looked at

3411
04:05:30.239 --> 04:05:33.360
both of his friends. We're really going back out for

3412
04:05:33.479 --> 04:05:38.319
more candy. What you don't want to. Chapman asked. Horton

3413
04:05:38.399 --> 04:05:41.639
glanced over at the chest. I'm just wondering if Chunk

3414
04:05:41.680 --> 04:05:43.799
girls start on the candy, since it's all here at

3415
04:05:43.799 --> 04:05:47.879
his place. Chapman pointed right at Brian. You don't want

3416
04:05:47.879 --> 04:05:50.040
to be eating all the candy in one night, buddy,

3417
04:05:50.840 --> 04:05:54.879
Chunker gave a mischievous grin. You never know, I just

3418
04:05:55.000 --> 04:05:57.040
might get the munchies in the middle of the night.

3419
04:05:57.840 --> 04:06:02.280
Chapman tightened his jaw. I mean it, Chunker, don't you even.

3420
04:06:03.040 --> 04:06:08.840
Chunker picked up his pillowcase and walked slowly to the door. Fine.

3421
04:06:09.079 --> 04:06:12.760
When Chunker stopped in the doorway, Horton and Chapman heard

3422
04:06:12.799 --> 04:06:18.479
what sounded like a very loud trumpet playing. When it stopped,

3423
04:06:18.799 --> 04:06:22.040
Chunker quickly went outside and slammed the door shut. He

3424
04:06:22.159 --> 04:06:24.879
pressed himself up against the door and soon felt the

3425
04:06:24.920 --> 04:06:28.840
others pushing to get out. Chunker started laughing as the

3426
04:06:28.879 --> 04:06:31.799
others were pounding and pushing hard on the door. He

3427
04:06:31.840 --> 04:06:37.479
could even hear Horton coughing, open the open the door,

3428
04:06:37.520 --> 04:06:39.120
you uneducated piece of pork.

3429
04:06:39.159 --> 04:06:39.520
Fat.

3430
04:06:40.000 --> 04:06:46.120
Chapman yelled, Oh my god, come on, Chunker, Horton protested,

3431
04:06:46.159 --> 04:06:50.799
after gagging, we're gonna die in here. Finally, Chunker got

3432
04:06:50.840 --> 04:06:53.959
caught off guard when Chapman backed up and ran against

3433
04:06:54.000 --> 04:06:57.520
the door to both force it open and knock Chunker down.

3434
04:06:58.200 --> 04:07:00.440
Horton ended up falling on top of both of his

3435
04:07:00.559 --> 04:07:04.840
friends and sucking for fresh air. Chunker was really laughing

3436
04:07:04.879 --> 04:07:08.799
it up now. After Chapman eased Horton off him, he

3437
04:07:08.920 --> 04:07:12.079
got up and pointed down at Chunker. You really are

3438
04:07:12.120 --> 04:07:14.600
a sick pig man. I can't believe you tried to

3439
04:07:14.680 --> 04:07:18.760
kill us like that. Seriously, what did you eat earlier?

3440
04:07:19.120 --> 04:07:22.920
Horton demanded. Then he gagged and moved farther away from

3441
04:07:22.920 --> 04:07:27.120
the clubhouse. Yeah, keep the door open, Chapman told Horton.

3442
04:07:27.799 --> 04:07:30.760
Then he said to Chunker, that's the last time we

3443
04:07:30.840 --> 04:07:33.520
go to Denoyer's Grille with you before we trick or treat.

3444
04:07:34.280 --> 04:07:37.479
Then he coughed and stepped away from the clubhouse and

3445
04:07:37.639 --> 04:07:42.360
lay off that sweet potato pie. After waiting several minutes,

3446
04:07:42.479 --> 04:07:45.840
Chapman and Horton went back inside to get their pillowcases.

3447
04:07:46.399 --> 04:07:49.000
From there, they headed back out and onto the streets

3448
04:07:49.000 --> 04:07:53.159
of Strickfield for more trick or treating. They'd received several

3449
04:07:53.200 --> 04:07:56.799
comments from houses taking part about how they'd been around

3450
04:07:56.879 --> 04:08:01.000
many times throughout the week, just the same. They still

3451
04:08:01.040 --> 04:08:04.200
gave them the treats. After all, Strickfield was the one

3452
04:08:04.319 --> 04:08:08.040
village where there was no discrimination for trick or treating.

3453
04:08:08.799 --> 04:08:14.120
It was around eleven o'clock when the boys reached Denoyer's grill. Now, remember, Chunker,

3454
04:08:14.520 --> 04:08:18.639
we're not going in for food. Chapman reminded him, you

3455
04:08:18.799 --> 04:08:21.959
just said you needed a bathroom break. I know, I know,

3456
04:08:22.319 --> 04:08:25.719
he replied, and opened the door. The boys walked inside

3457
04:08:25.760 --> 04:08:29.079
to a still packed dining room. They knew October was

3458
04:08:29.120 --> 04:08:32.079
the biggest month where Denoyer's grill got the most business

3459
04:08:32.680 --> 04:08:35.520
this year. Business really picked up during the first full

3460
04:08:35.559 --> 04:08:39.200
week of trick or treating. Now it was Halloween night

3461
04:08:39.440 --> 04:08:43.000
and people were still packing Denoyer's grill. It was also

3462
04:08:43.200 --> 04:08:46.159
known that Denoyer paid his people extra for working this

3463
04:08:46.280 --> 04:08:50.959
time of year. Back again, boys, huh, Denoyer asked, pleasantly,

3464
04:08:51.680 --> 04:08:55.639
just using the bathroom? Chunker told him, you know where

3465
04:08:55.639 --> 04:08:58.719
it is. They walked to the men's room and went in.

3466
04:08:59.360 --> 04:09:02.559
When they were fit f Chapman looked at Horton, Hey,

3467
04:09:03.239 --> 04:09:06.760
where's Chunker. Horton gave a grim look that said he

3468
04:09:06.840 --> 04:09:10.280
knew the two of them finished washing their hands and

3469
04:09:10.319 --> 04:09:13.520
came outside to find Chunker sitting at the counter and

3470
04:09:13.559 --> 04:09:18.280
eating a piece of Denoyer's famous sweet Potato pie. Horton

3471
04:09:18.360 --> 04:09:21.280
pointed to the pie, this is why you blew up

3472
04:09:21.319 --> 04:09:25.000
the clubhouse earlier. This is what your fifth piece today

3473
04:09:26.000 --> 04:09:30.159
sixth Chunker corrected him. Come on, guys, you know I

3474
04:09:30.159 --> 04:09:33.000
don't feel right using the restroom here and not putting

3475
04:09:33.079 --> 04:09:37.079
into the till. Chapman wanted to yell again, but he

3476
04:09:37.280 --> 04:09:41.239
sighed and ordered some French fries. Horton ordered a soft drink.

3477
04:09:41.879 --> 04:09:45.399
After they finished, they left Denoyer's grill and headed back out.

3478
04:09:46.440 --> 04:09:50.239
We only got forty minutes until midnight, Horton said, Do

3479
04:09:50.319 --> 04:09:52.559
we just head back to the clubhouse or do we

3480
04:09:52.639 --> 04:09:55.840
ride it out and get more candy. I think we

3481
04:09:55.959 --> 04:09:57.719
got more than enough to fill the rest of the

3482
04:09:57.799 --> 04:10:03.000
chest back at the clubhouse, Chunkers stated, still, forty minutes

3483
04:10:03.040 --> 04:10:05.520
is forty minutes. Might as well end on a high note.

3484
04:10:06.120 --> 04:10:08.879
Even Chapman wasn't going to give Chunker a hard time.

3485
04:10:09.399 --> 04:10:12.440
They'd started trick or treating right at six every night.

3486
04:10:12.799 --> 04:10:15.719
When Trick or Treat Week started and went all the

3487
04:10:15.719 --> 04:10:20.159
way until the end. They knew they couldn't stop now.

3488
04:10:20.239 --> 04:10:23.479
Just a little while longer, and they'd have officially Tricker

3489
04:10:23.600 --> 04:10:27.639
Treated for seven nights straight from start to finish. The

3490
04:10:27.680 --> 04:10:30.680
boys managed to make the rounds on four more blocks

3491
04:10:30.719 --> 04:10:33.959
before it was almost midnight and the week long Trick

3492
04:10:34.040 --> 04:10:37.760
or Treat festivities would be over for the season. We

3493
04:10:37.879 --> 04:10:41.520
really did it, guys, Horton said, with pride. We got

3494
04:10:41.559 --> 04:10:44.840
more candy than we ever did before, and probably from

3495
04:10:44.840 --> 04:10:48.280
all of our other years combined. Yeah, we did, didn't we.

3496
04:10:48.760 --> 04:10:54.000
Chapman agreed, I'm surprised. Chunker here went the distance. Yeah, yeah,

3497
04:10:54.120 --> 04:10:58.440
when have I ever not? Chunker demanded, well, he did

3498
04:10:58.600 --> 04:11:01.920
keep up with us on that night last summer, Horton recalled,

3499
04:11:02.680 --> 04:11:06.920
Chapman pointed at him, don't you even talk about that toothpick?

3500
04:11:07.319 --> 04:11:10.440
We said we'd never talk about Abigail Tomlin ever again.

3501
04:11:11.360 --> 04:11:14.840
When he saw both Horton and Chunker giving him strange looks,

3502
04:11:15.200 --> 04:11:20.079
he started to wonder himself. He got confirmation when Chunker

3503
04:11:20.159 --> 04:11:23.719
pointed at him, here's still dreaming about her, too, ain't you.

3504
04:11:24.879 --> 04:11:27.479
Chapman didn't want to admit it, but the look on

3505
04:11:27.559 --> 04:11:32.600
his face said enough. Horton adjusted his circular glasses face

3506
04:11:32.639 --> 04:11:35.760
it you guys, We've never been able to forget about

3507
04:11:35.760 --> 04:11:40.680
that ghostly woman. It had been just shortly after the

3508
04:11:40.719 --> 04:11:44.840
boys had finished sixth grade and their time at Strickfield Elementary.

3509
04:11:45.719 --> 04:11:49.280
Now they were at Strickfield Junior High. As much as

3510
04:11:49.319 --> 04:11:52.879
they had tried, they just couldn't forget the horror they

3511
04:11:52.920 --> 04:11:56.959
had experienced on the cry Baby Bridge on Indian Hollow Road.

3512
04:11:58.000 --> 04:12:01.440
It was just supposed to be an urban ledge. Brian

3513
04:12:01.520 --> 04:12:04.440
and his older brother Kenny made plans to scare Horton

3514
04:12:04.520 --> 04:12:07.159
and Chapman by making it seem like the legend of

3515
04:12:07.200 --> 04:12:11.239
the cry Baby Bridge was real. Kenny had even gone

3516
04:12:11.239 --> 04:12:13.440
so far as to mount a speaker at the bridge

3517
04:12:13.440 --> 04:12:17.959
to amplify the sounds of a little baby crying. The

3518
04:12:18.079 --> 04:12:21.479
joke had worked, and Horton and Chapman were both scared.

3519
04:12:22.159 --> 04:12:25.680
Kenny revealed the speaker before he took it down and

3520
04:12:25.760 --> 04:12:29.239
went home. But what the three boys were about to

3521
04:12:29.280 --> 04:12:31.559
find out was that the legend of the cry Baby

3522
04:12:31.559 --> 04:12:36.440
Bridge was indeed true. They not only heard a baby

3523
04:12:36.479 --> 04:12:41.000
crying Arthur Tomlin, but his mother had appeared in her horrible,

3524
04:12:41.479 --> 04:12:45.639
ghostly form. The boys were soon running for their very

3525
04:12:45.719 --> 04:12:49.639
lives when Abigail Tomlin chased them through very heavy winds

3526
04:12:49.639 --> 04:12:54.360
conjured up by the haunting itself. The boys barely made

3527
04:12:54.360 --> 04:12:57.319
it as the morning sun came up and sent Abigail

3528
04:12:57.360 --> 04:13:01.399
Tomlin back to whatever nether world she made have come from.

3529
04:13:01.760 --> 04:13:04.840
From that moment on, the boys made it a point

3530
04:13:04.959 --> 04:13:08.840
to never go anywhere near that bridge on Indian Hollow

3531
04:13:08.920 --> 04:13:13.559
Road ever again. Brian really wanted to tell Kenny that

3532
04:13:13.639 --> 04:13:16.000
the legend of the cry Baby Bridge was real, but

3533
04:13:16.120 --> 04:13:19.760
he reconsidered when he realized Kenny might actually go out

3534
04:13:19.799 --> 04:13:23.959
there and check the legend out for himself. After all,

3535
04:13:24.239 --> 04:13:26.440
their father was the one who told the brothers the

3536
04:13:26.520 --> 04:13:31.280
story of the cry Baby Bridge. Naturally, Brian wanted to

3537
04:13:31.280 --> 04:13:35.959
see if the legend was true. Many times over, he'd

3538
04:13:36.000 --> 04:13:39.799
wished he hadn't. The boys had never been the same

3539
04:13:39.879 --> 04:13:44.280
after that. They kept having awful nightmares about Abigail Tomlin

3540
04:13:44.559 --> 04:13:47.200
and the horrible ordeal that had cost her both her

3541
04:13:47.239 --> 04:13:51.200
life and that of her baby son. Both of them

3542
04:13:51.280 --> 04:13:53.959
died on that very bridge as a result of her

3543
04:13:54.000 --> 04:13:58.280
tyrannical husband and the gunfight she had lost to him

3544
04:13:58.959 --> 04:14:02.440
many many years ago. The boys felt deep down that

3545
04:14:02.479 --> 04:14:06.600
Abigail Tomlin wasn't finished with them, not by a long shot.

3546
04:14:07.680 --> 04:14:10.959
I really didn't want to say it. Horton finally confessed,

3547
04:14:12.280 --> 04:14:16.000
she's coming back for us. I think she's just waiting

3548
04:14:16.040 --> 04:14:19.440
for the right time. How's she going to come back

3549
04:14:19.479 --> 04:14:22.959
for us? Chapman demanded, None of us have ever gone

3550
04:14:22.959 --> 04:14:26.799
back to Indian Hollow Road right. Chunker shook his head.

3551
04:14:27.280 --> 04:14:33.239
I haven't, no way me neither. Horton confessed I haven't either.

3552
04:14:33.680 --> 04:14:37.319
Chapman also confessed. Then he reached out and swung his

3553
04:14:37.319 --> 04:14:40.760
fist at nothing. Why are we still dreaming about her? Then?

3554
04:14:41.159 --> 04:14:44.000
It's like she's still haunting us. I don't want to

3555
04:14:44.000 --> 04:14:47.040
say anything to mom and dad. I don't know what

3556
04:14:47.120 --> 04:14:51.000
they'd say. Well, my mom would likely take me to

3557
04:14:51.079 --> 04:14:55.440
a shrink. Horton piped up. She already thinks I'm crazy enough,

3558
04:14:55.840 --> 04:14:59.079
especially since I'm hanging around with you two. Both of

3559
04:14:59.120 --> 04:15:03.000
them sighed they knew Horton's mother never really liked either

3560
04:15:03.079 --> 04:15:06.879
of them. Still, she never forbade her son from being

3561
04:15:06.920 --> 04:15:10.200
friends with them. Chapman and Chunker didn't want to give

3562
04:15:10.200 --> 04:15:14.639
Horton's mom a reason to finally reconsider that the three

3563
04:15:14.680 --> 04:15:17.200
of them had been friends since first grade at Strickfield

3564
04:15:17.200 --> 04:15:21.280
elementary and had been through a lot together. While they

3565
04:15:21.280 --> 04:15:25.159
were different in so many ways, they made their friendship last.

3566
04:15:25.280 --> 04:15:28.799
Going into junior high. They knew they didn't want their

3567
04:15:28.840 --> 04:15:33.360
group to end. Abigail Tomlin's going to keep driving us crazy,

3568
04:15:33.799 --> 04:15:38.840
Chunker stated, I'm surprised we aren't already nuts. Or maybe

3569
04:15:38.840 --> 04:15:42.239
we are and we just don't know it yet. Horton interjected,

3570
04:15:42.840 --> 04:15:47.079
shut up. Chapman snapped, pushing Horton a little. Then he groaned,

3571
04:15:47.799 --> 04:15:50.040
let's go back to the clubhouse and talk about this

3572
04:15:50.079 --> 04:15:53.280
some more. I don't want to talk about this out here.

3573
04:15:54.360 --> 04:15:59.920
Good idea, Chunker agreed. The boys turned down a nearby street,

3574
04:16:00.200 --> 04:16:03.440
which took them past the gated community where it was

3575
04:16:03.479 --> 04:16:06.799
all Mirans. It always seemed to be the one area

3576
04:16:06.840 --> 04:16:11.360
of Strickfield that stood out around October in December. The

3577
04:16:11.440 --> 04:16:15.280
Mirans never opened their gated community for Halloween for trick

3578
04:16:15.319 --> 04:16:19.760
or treating, and they certainly never decorated for Christmas. The

3579
04:16:19.799 --> 04:16:22.920
boys were quick to notice how deathly still it seemed

3580
04:16:22.959 --> 04:16:26.680
on the outside. They kept walking until they were clear

3581
04:16:26.760 --> 04:16:31.399
of the gated community. The boys continued to walk in silence.

3582
04:16:32.000 --> 04:16:34.799
They would only have about three blocks before they'd reached

3583
04:16:34.879 --> 04:16:39.200
Chunker's house and their clubhouse. They'd just finished walking the

3584
04:16:39.239 --> 04:16:43.000
first block and crossed into the second. They were about

3585
04:16:43.000 --> 04:16:46.079
a quarter mile into the block when they started to

3586
04:16:46.120 --> 04:16:50.959
pass village cemetery. It was then when they heard some

3587
04:16:51.239 --> 04:16:58.239
sounds in the distance. You guys hear that, Chunker asked quietly.

3588
04:16:59.079 --> 04:17:05.040
Sounds like little kids playing. Chapman replied, scratching his bird head.

3589
04:17:05.879 --> 04:17:10.040
It's after midnight, Horton noted. Then he checked his smart watch,

3590
04:17:10.879 --> 04:17:15.120
it's almost twelve thirty. Yeah, but we're in junior High.

3591
04:17:15.600 --> 04:17:20.040
Chapman stressed, the cops aren't going to say anything to us. Besides,

3592
04:17:20.040 --> 04:17:23.520
we're not too far from Chunker's house. We might as

3593
04:17:23.520 --> 04:17:28.120
well keep moving, Chunker suggested. Then they heard the sounds

3594
04:17:28.479 --> 04:17:36.959
of the little kids laughing in the cemetery again. The

3595
04:17:37.040 --> 04:17:41.440
boys wanted to turn away and keep going, but deep down,

3596
04:17:42.680 --> 04:17:46.879
we should head inside and check on those kids. Chapman said, yeah,

3597
04:17:46.920 --> 04:17:51.040
but Horton stammered. When he saw the slight glare on

3598
04:17:51.120 --> 04:17:55.360
Chapman's face, he sighed, yeah, you're right. It is too

3599
04:17:55.399 --> 04:17:58.040
late for those kids to be out here and in

3600
04:17:58.079 --> 04:18:02.120
a graveyard, Chunker added. The boys went to the cemetery

3601
04:18:02.319 --> 04:18:07.159
entrance and found the iron gates were locked. When they

3602
04:18:07.200 --> 04:18:11.559
heard the children laughing again, they realized they had only

3603
04:18:11.639 --> 04:18:13.959
one way inside.

3604
04:18:14.680 --> 04:18:19.440
Did you hear that? Better check the locks on your doors. Weakly, spooky,

3605
04:18:19.639 --> 04:18:20.680
We'll be right back.

3606
04:18:23.600 --> 04:18:26.639
They tossed their pillow cases of candy over the wall

3607
04:18:27.200 --> 04:18:30.879
and scaled it to get inside. After dropping to the

3608
04:18:30.920 --> 04:18:34.920
grass below, they picked up their candy and stashed it

3609
04:18:35.000 --> 04:18:38.399
until they could come back for it and leave over there,

3610
04:18:39.000 --> 04:18:42.559
Chunker said, pointing in the direction of the laughter. The

3611
04:18:42.639 --> 04:18:47.760
boys walked cautiously through the seemingly endless rows of tombstones.

3612
04:18:48.840 --> 04:18:53.879
Village Cemetery wasn't nearly as big as Strickfield Cemetery, but

3613
04:18:53.959 --> 04:18:57.760
it may as well have been with the atmosphere. There

3614
04:18:57.799 --> 04:19:01.680
was a light fog among the tombstone Even though it

3615
04:19:01.760 --> 04:19:06.799
was officially November first, now Halloween night itself continued into

3616
04:19:06.840 --> 04:19:11.639
the late hours in many places. Strickfield was no exception.

3617
04:19:12.920 --> 04:19:15.360
I can't believe I'm walking around in a graveyard on

3618
04:19:15.440 --> 04:19:21.559
Halloween night, Horton groaned, Yeah, yeah, Chucker muttered, stick close.

3619
04:19:22.319 --> 04:19:27.280
The boys kept walking cautiously through the cemetery until they

3620
04:19:27.319 --> 04:19:30.840
came upon the scene of the laughter. It looked as

3621
04:19:30.879 --> 04:19:34.000
though a group of children were in their halloween costumes.

3622
04:19:34.719 --> 04:19:40.079
They were laughing as it seemed they were playing a game. Well,

3623
04:19:40.600 --> 04:19:45.559
it don't look like they're in any danger, Chunker observed. Okay,

3624
04:19:46.120 --> 04:19:49.680
guess we can go home. Then Horton uttered quickly. As

3625
04:19:49.719 --> 04:19:53.639
Horton turned away, Chapman snatched his wrist. Come on, dude,

3626
04:19:53.719 --> 04:19:59.079
really don't forget safety in numbers here. When Horton calmed down,

3627
04:19:59.399 --> 04:20:02.959
Chapman led go of him. The boys watched the children

3628
04:20:03.079 --> 04:20:07.079
still playing their game. They weren't sure what the game was,

3629
04:20:07.159 --> 04:20:10.600
but it looked like some form of hide and seek.

3630
04:20:11.760 --> 04:20:14.079
Before the boys were going to talk about what to

3631
04:20:14.120 --> 04:20:17.600
do next, Ghost in the Graveyard, Ghost in the Graveyard,

3632
04:20:17.799 --> 04:20:21.120
the boys shrieked with fright before they turned around to

3633
04:20:21.200 --> 04:20:24.200
see a little girl dressed as Little Red riding Hood

3634
04:20:24.600 --> 04:20:28.520
pointing at Chunker in his zombie makeup. Ghost in the Graveyard,

3635
04:20:28.559 --> 04:20:32.520
Ghost in the Graveyard. She called out again. It wasn't

3636
04:20:32.559 --> 04:20:35.239
long before a little boy came up next to the girl.

3637
04:20:35.879 --> 04:20:41.280
His costume looked quite awkward. He appeared to be all wet.

3638
04:20:41.639 --> 04:20:44.920
His makeup was really good because he seemed to look

3639
04:20:45.000 --> 04:20:48.200
like he had some stages of decomposition on his face

3640
04:20:48.760 --> 04:20:53.559
and arms. That's not the ghost, Anna Beth. The boy

3641
04:20:53.639 --> 04:20:56.840
told her the ghost is still around in here, somewhere.

3642
04:20:57.440 --> 04:21:01.000
You know who the ghost is, Annabethe turned to the boy,

3643
04:21:01.360 --> 04:21:05.159
still pointing at Chunker. But he looks like a ghost, too, Arthur.

3644
04:21:06.040 --> 04:21:10.280
Arthur was looking the boys over. It's not him, he

3645
04:21:10.399 --> 04:21:14.440
told Annabeth again. What are you guys doing out here

3646
04:21:14.479 --> 04:21:18.280
in the cemetery? Chapman asked, it's after midnight. Aren't you

3647
04:21:18.319 --> 04:21:23.520
afraid the cops will come here? Arthur laughed. The police

3648
04:21:23.600 --> 04:21:26.520
never come in here on Halloween. They got way too

3649
04:21:26.600 --> 04:21:29.719
much to do tonight to be looking in here. But

3650
04:21:30.399 --> 04:21:34.959
what are you doing in here? Horton asked, Ah, we're

3651
04:21:35.000 --> 04:21:38.879
playing our favorite game for Halloween, Knight, Ghost in the Graveyard.

3652
04:21:39.360 --> 04:21:43.639
Arthur answered, want to play? The boys looked among themselves

3653
04:21:43.639 --> 04:21:49.399
with uncertainty. Oh, come on, Arthur beckoned, it's Halloween Knight.

3654
04:21:49.520 --> 04:21:52.600
We got the whole graveyard to ourselves. There ain't gonna

3655
04:21:52.600 --> 04:21:55.280
be any cops looking in here. Trust me on this one.

3656
04:21:56.399 --> 04:22:01.479
Uh okay, Horton stammered. We can play a few rounds right,

3657
04:22:02.280 --> 04:22:08.239
No school tomorrow in all, Yeah, okay, Chapman agreed. Chunkers

3658
04:22:08.319 --> 04:22:11.520
seemed just as unsure as his friends, but he still

3659
04:22:11.559 --> 04:22:14.959
gave an affirming nod. Arthur motioned for the boys to

3660
04:22:15.040 --> 04:22:18.360
follow him in Annabeth. He called for the other children,

3661
04:22:18.799 --> 04:22:22.840
who were quick to gather around. Okay, people, these guys

3662
04:22:22.879 --> 04:22:25.840
are playing Ghost in the Graveyard with us. He told them.

3663
04:22:26.440 --> 04:22:29.520
The ghost is still out there. Then he explained the

3664
04:22:29.600 --> 04:22:33.000
rules to the boys as he pointed to the nearby mausoleum.

3665
04:22:33.639 --> 04:22:36.479
That's our home base. We already picked somebody to be

3666
04:22:36.559 --> 04:22:40.319
the ghost. The ghost is out there in this cemetery somewhere.

3667
04:22:40.959 --> 04:22:43.879
Now we'll chant the hours again so the ghost knows

3668
04:22:43.920 --> 04:22:46.719
we got new players in the game. I'll call out

3669
04:22:46.760 --> 04:22:50.120
once we finish the chant. Once I do, we all

3670
04:22:50.120 --> 04:22:53.399
go out looking for the ghost. If anybody spots the ghost,

3671
04:22:53.520 --> 04:22:56.399
you yell ghost in the graveyard and run back to

3672
04:22:56.479 --> 04:23:00.280
home base, the mausoleum. Now, if the ghost catches you

3673
04:23:00.319 --> 04:23:03.360
at any point and you're not at home base, then

3674
04:23:03.440 --> 04:23:08.079
you become the next ghost. Got it? The boys nodded,

3675
04:23:08.639 --> 04:23:12.239
Then Arthur led the chant by chanting the hours. When

3676
04:23:12.239 --> 04:23:17.559
they reached midnight, Arthur called out, midnight midnight. We hope

3677
04:23:17.559 --> 04:23:21.879
we don't see a ghost tonight. Everybody cautiously walked away

3678
04:23:21.879 --> 04:23:26.200
from the mausoleum and started looking around. The boys pulled

3679
04:23:26.239 --> 04:23:29.920
out their smartphones and turned on their camera flashes. They

3680
04:23:29.959 --> 04:23:33.079
found they weren't much help. After a little bit, they

3681
04:23:33.120 --> 04:23:38.079
also noticed they weren't getting any reception. I don't like this,

3682
04:23:38.799 --> 04:23:44.719
Horton whispered. Something's really wrong here. I can feel it. Yeah,

3683
04:23:45.079 --> 04:23:49.360
I feel the same way. Chunker agreed. It'll be okay, guys,

3684
04:23:49.959 --> 04:23:52.799
Chapman said, we'll just play a few rounds and then

3685
04:23:53.120 --> 04:23:56.479
get these kids to go home. You don't sound so

3686
04:23:56.559 --> 04:24:00.840
sure of yourself, Horton said. Chapman didn't have to say it,

3687
04:24:01.280 --> 04:24:03.920
but Horton and Chunker could both see on his face

3688
04:24:04.360 --> 04:24:09.799
that he was just as concerned as them. Just then, Oh,

3689
04:24:09.959 --> 04:24:13.799
come on, Chunker, really, Horton groaned as he coughed and

3690
04:24:13.879 --> 04:24:17.040
waved his hand in front of his face. Chapman was

3691
04:24:17.079 --> 04:24:20.639
also waving his hand in front of his own face. Man, Chunker,

3692
04:24:20.680 --> 04:24:25.760
you gotta stop eating so much of Denoyer's sweet potato pie.

3693
04:24:25.840 --> 04:24:30.399
I'm sorry, guys, Chunker said, quietly. It's kind of scary

3694
04:24:30.399 --> 04:24:35.120
in here. It's no different than during the day. Chapman countered,

3695
04:24:35.600 --> 04:24:39.799
trying to sound more confident than he felt. Don't you

3696
04:24:39.879 --> 04:24:44.280
watch scary movies, Horton demanded, You know what you said,

3697
04:24:44.280 --> 04:24:47.840
ain't right. It's always different in a cemetery at night,

3698
04:24:48.639 --> 04:24:52.600
Chapman groaned. But we're not in a scary movie, nerd.

3699
04:24:53.520 --> 04:24:58.559
You're right, we're in a very scary graveyard on Halloween night.

3700
04:24:59.319 --> 04:25:03.120
Horton said quickly. It was nighttime when we saw a

3701
04:25:03.159 --> 04:25:07.920
ghost over the summer. Yeah, we know, ghosts, surreal, Chapman,

3702
04:25:08.600 --> 04:25:12.200
Chunker reminded him. Chapman looked like he wanted to yell

3703
04:25:12.239 --> 04:25:14.600
at both of them, but he kept his thought to

3704
04:25:14.719 --> 04:25:20.920
himself instead. And you guys see the ghost yet, Horton

3705
04:25:20.959 --> 04:25:26.799
shook his head. No, nope, Chunker replied, could be anywhere,

3706
04:25:27.719 --> 04:25:31.520
and then Arthur joined up with them. It's okay, guys,

3707
04:25:31.680 --> 04:25:34.399
there's nothing to worry about. Once we find the ghost,

3708
04:25:34.440 --> 04:25:38.040
we run back to home base. You sure there's somebody

3709
04:25:38.079 --> 04:25:41.600
being the ghost out there, right, Chunker asked. We've been

3710
04:25:41.600 --> 04:25:46.000
looking around and we haven't seen anybody else except you.

3711
04:25:46.520 --> 04:25:50.959
Horton added, trust me, there is a ghost, Arthur promised,

3712
04:25:51.360 --> 04:25:55.600
probably stalking us right now. Unless the ghost is where

3713
04:25:55.600 --> 04:26:02.000
the others are. No, Horton disagreed. You said, if anybody

3714
04:26:02.040 --> 04:26:06.559
saw the ghost. They're supposed to chant ghost in the graveyard. Yeah,

3715
04:26:06.799 --> 04:26:11.680
we haven't heard anybody chant yet, Chunker stressed. Village cemetery

3716
04:26:11.799 --> 04:26:15.360
was lit decently thanks to the street lights around the paths.

3717
04:26:16.159 --> 04:26:18.639
The boys didn't want to say it, but they seemed

3718
04:26:18.639 --> 04:26:22.479
to think that Arthur's makeup looked more and more realistic

3719
04:26:23.159 --> 04:26:27.959
in terms of the decomposition, and he still looked soaking wet.

3720
04:26:28.600 --> 04:26:31.040
If he was supposed to be a zombie himself, then

3721
04:26:31.520 --> 04:26:35.760
whoever did his makeup was really good. Let's check over

3722
04:26:35.799 --> 04:26:40.360
there at that mausoleum, Arthur suggested. At first, Horton hesitated,

3723
04:26:40.959 --> 04:26:48.079
then Chapman reminded him safety in numbers. Okay, Horton groaned.

3724
04:26:48.719 --> 04:26:52.000
The four boys cautiously walked to the mausoleum. Arthur was

3725
04:26:52.040 --> 04:26:55.040
guiding them too. I'm pretty sure the ghost is hiding

3726
04:26:55.079 --> 04:26:58.719
in there. That's where she was last time. Yeah, but

3727
04:26:59.319 --> 04:27:03.079
wouldn't it beat her to hide somewhere else, Chapman asked.

3728
04:27:03.680 --> 04:27:07.159
Arthur didn't say anything, but they continued until they reached

3729
04:27:07.200 --> 04:27:12.879
the entrance of the mausoleum. Mom you in there, Arthur

3730
04:27:12.959 --> 04:27:18.639
called out. Horton looked from Chunker to Chapman. Mom now,

3731
04:27:18.719 --> 04:27:23.760
Both Chunker and Chapman had the same worried looks as Horton. Suddenly,

3732
04:27:24.000 --> 04:27:26.879
the door to the mausoleum flew open, to the horror

3733
04:27:26.959 --> 04:27:30.600
of the three friends. A ghastly glowing woman who wore

3734
04:27:30.639 --> 04:27:34.399
a blood stained, damp wedding gown now stood in the doorway.

3735
04:27:34.680 --> 04:27:38.079
Her flesh was quite decayed, and her red eyes glowed

3736
04:27:38.120 --> 04:27:42.280
as bright as those at a railroad crossing gate. The

3737
04:27:42.319 --> 04:27:46.840
apparition screamed with delight as she looked upon the three faces.

3738
04:27:47.600 --> 04:27:52.120
My babies, you finally come home to your mother, Abigail

3739
04:27:52.159 --> 04:27:56.760
Tomlin said in her dead and disembodied voice. Then she

3740
04:27:56.879 --> 04:28:01.200
held her arms out to grab them. Abigail Tomlin. The

3741
04:28:01.239 --> 04:28:04.520
three friends screamed together. Then they turned and ran for

3742
04:28:04.600 --> 04:28:08.280
all they were worth. The ghost of Abigail Tomlin screamed

3743
04:28:08.319 --> 04:28:11.600
herself to pierce the stillness of the night as she

3744
04:28:11.680 --> 04:28:17.200
began chasing them. We're not at the bridge, Chunker moaned,

3745
04:28:17.479 --> 04:28:20.879
how is this even happening? Oh Man, oh man, oh man,

3746
04:28:20.959 --> 04:28:24.799
oh man, oh man. Horton squealed, We gotta get out

3747
04:28:24.840 --> 04:28:28.520
of here. Chapman yelled, There will never be any escape

3748
04:28:28.559 --> 04:28:33.440
for you, my babies. Abigail Tomlin called out to them,

3749
04:28:33.799 --> 04:28:38.159
not this time and never again. To the surprise of

3750
04:28:38.280 --> 04:28:42.000
Chapman and Horton, Chunker was actually running fast enough to

3751
04:28:42.079 --> 04:28:45.719
leave them behind. Horton shrieked, and both he and Chapman

3752
04:28:45.840 --> 04:28:48.840
ran faster to keep up with him. As the boys

3753
04:28:48.920 --> 04:28:51.719
came upon the other children, they were yelling for them

3754
04:28:51.719 --> 04:28:55.559
to run, waving their arms at them. Frantically. Ghost in

3755
04:28:55.559 --> 04:28:59.440
the graveyard for real, Horton screamed, get out of here,

3756
04:28:59.520 --> 04:29:03.040
go home. Chapman added, We're all gonna die if she

3757
04:29:03.120 --> 04:29:07.600
catches us. For real, Chunker yelled. When the other children

3758
04:29:07.719 --> 04:29:11.840
saw Abigail Tomlin, they all screamed and scattered. You can

3759
04:29:11.920 --> 04:29:15.159
run all you want, Arthur called to the three friends.

3760
04:29:15.799 --> 04:29:20.360
There's no escape. Mom will have you all. You escaped

3761
04:29:20.399 --> 04:29:25.520
her once, but there's no escape this time. Then Horton

3762
04:29:25.600 --> 04:29:29.959
made a startling realization. He said his name was Arthur.

3763
04:29:30.360 --> 04:29:33.600
That's the name of Abigail Tomlin's little baby boy, like

3764
04:29:33.680 --> 04:29:37.239
in the legend of cry Baby Bridge. You mean Arthur's

3765
04:29:37.280 --> 04:29:43.280
a ghost too, Chunker cried in disbelief. Makes sense, Chapman gasped.

3766
04:29:43.520 --> 04:29:46.280
He calls her mom. They both died together at the

3767
04:29:46.319 --> 04:29:49.840
bridge years ago. You may run as much as you like,

3768
04:29:50.559 --> 04:29:54.399
my children, Abigail Tomlin called to them. You are within

3769
04:29:54.479 --> 04:29:58.520
the boundaries of this burial ground. You will never escape

3770
04:29:58.559 --> 04:30:04.360
me again, especially not before the sun rises. The boys

3771
04:30:04.440 --> 04:30:07.559
knew the sun wouldn't be up for several hours, yet

3772
04:30:07.760 --> 04:30:11.319
it was just after one o'clock. We can't keep running

3773
04:30:11.399 --> 04:30:14.959
much longer, Chunker groaned. Let's get back to the wall

3774
04:30:15.000 --> 04:30:18.760
and climb over, Chapman yelled. The boys quickly reached the

3775
04:30:18.799 --> 04:30:21.920
wall with all the strength and determination that came from

3776
04:30:21.959 --> 04:30:25.040
being scared for their lives. The boys quickly scaled the

3777
04:30:25.079 --> 04:30:30.040
wall and dropped to the outside. Abigail Tomlin floated high

3778
04:30:30.159 --> 04:30:34.440
enough to where they could see her. However, she could

3779
04:30:34.479 --> 04:30:39.159
not float over the wall itself. The boys knew they

3780
04:30:39.159 --> 04:30:43.639
were safe, but Abigail Tomlin gave them a weird look

3781
04:30:44.040 --> 04:30:49.159
before she slowly lowered herself back into the cemetery. Let's

3782
04:30:49.159 --> 04:30:52.319
get out of here, Chunker said, after catching his breath.

3783
04:30:53.040 --> 04:30:59.239
Horton was inclined to agree. However, we can't, guys, we

3784
04:30:59.280 --> 04:31:02.680
can't just leave them there, kids in there. Abigail Tomlin

3785
04:31:02.719 --> 04:31:06.639
will claim them, you know she will. You guys want

3786
04:31:06.639 --> 04:31:08.959
to go home, then go, But I won't be able

3787
04:31:08.959 --> 04:31:11.319
to sleep tonight, knowing I didn't at least try to

3788
04:31:11.399 --> 04:31:17.479
save them. True, the boys had escaped Abigail Tomlin once more. However,

3789
04:31:18.159 --> 04:31:21.319
they knew Horton was right, and he certainly did not

3790
04:31:21.760 --> 04:31:25.559
want to go back in there himself. I'm with you, Horton,

3791
04:31:26.120 --> 04:31:29.040
Chapman said, Way to put a guilt trip on us.

3792
04:31:29.079 --> 04:31:33.600
But you're right. You know we're not gonna make it

3793
04:31:33.639 --> 04:31:37.959
out again, right. Tomlin's gonna get us this time. Yeah,

3794
04:31:38.000 --> 04:31:42.079
I know, Horton replied. You know, I'm really scared, but

3795
04:31:43.159 --> 04:31:46.520
I'm going back in. Chunker put a hand on Horton's

3796
04:31:46.520 --> 04:31:50.120
shoulder and laughed a little. We still got to get

3797
04:31:50.120 --> 04:31:52.680
all our candy we left in there. I'm not letting

3798
04:31:52.719 --> 04:31:56.799
Abigail Tomlin have all that candy, no way. The others

3799
04:31:56.879 --> 04:32:00.000
laughed a little at Chunker's humor, even though the candy

3800
04:32:00.239 --> 04:32:04.239
was the farthest thing from their minds. Thanks for being

3801
04:32:04.280 --> 04:32:09.639
my best friends, guys, Horton said. Chunker pointed sharply at him, No,

3802
04:32:09.799 --> 04:32:12.360
you don't. We're getting back out of here, and you

3803
04:32:12.479 --> 04:32:15.959
better believe that. Though he didn't sound as confident as

3804
04:32:15.959 --> 04:32:19.200
he would have liked. I got a plan to get

3805
04:32:19.239 --> 04:32:23.120
the children out, Horton told them. The other two listened

3806
04:32:23.120 --> 04:32:28.959
as Horton explained the plan. It's suicide, but let's do it.

3807
04:32:29.399 --> 04:32:34.120
Chapman said, yeah, Chunker cheered. The boys took a deep

3808
04:32:34.159 --> 04:32:37.319
breath before they scaled the wall again and dropped back

3809
04:32:37.360 --> 04:32:41.200
into the cemetery. They ran in the direction of the children, screaming.

3810
04:32:41.920 --> 04:32:44.840
It wasn't long before they saw the ghost of Abigail

3811
04:32:44.879 --> 04:32:48.719
Tomlin floating near the kids. She had them backed up

3812
04:32:48.719 --> 04:32:52.719
against the mausoleum that was declared home base. Of course,

3813
04:32:53.200 --> 04:32:56.360
she had no intention of honoring that part of ghost

3814
04:32:56.399 --> 04:33:01.600
in the graveyard. Hey, Abigail, oh, ok, we're here, Chunker

3815
04:33:01.680 --> 04:33:06.720
called out. Leave them alone. Chapman added, it's us you want. Remember.

3816
04:33:07.880 --> 04:33:11.479
Horton put his thumbs in his ears. Nana Na Na, Nanana.

3817
04:33:12.639 --> 04:33:17.279
Abigail Tomlin immediately turned to them, It's time to come home,

3818
04:33:17.439 --> 04:33:21.520
my children. You've been in the mortal realm long enough.

3819
04:33:22.119 --> 04:33:25.479
As soon as she began floating towards them, Chunker called

3820
04:33:25.520 --> 04:33:29.159
to the children, get out of here now. The boys

3821
04:33:29.240 --> 04:33:32.240
saw the children move from the home base mausoleum and

3822
04:33:32.360 --> 04:33:36.360
run to the wall. Arthur Tomlin couldn't stop them as

3823
04:33:36.360 --> 04:33:39.479
they helped each other get up and over. The boys

3824
04:33:39.479 --> 04:33:43.080
stood their ground as Abigail Tomlin continued closing the gap

3825
04:33:43.279 --> 04:33:47.520
between herself and the boys. As they agreed they would

3826
04:33:47.520 --> 04:33:51.319
stand their ground until every last child had escaped. It

3827
04:33:51.479 --> 04:33:54.400
was when the last one had scaled the wall that

3828
04:33:54.479 --> 04:33:59.520
Abigail Tomlin finally reached them. The boys never screamed as

3829
04:33:59.520 --> 04:34:01.759
she touched all three of them to bring them into

3830
04:34:01.759 --> 04:34:07.279
the realm of the dead. Now Abigail Tomlin had finally

3831
04:34:07.319 --> 04:34:11.759
claimed the three of them as her own. Here, finally

3832
04:34:11.919 --> 04:34:17.279
home at last, my long lost children. Now my son

3833
04:34:17.479 --> 04:34:27.240
Arthur will not be so lonely. The family and friends

3834
04:34:27.279 --> 04:34:29.919
of the boys, and the children of those they saved,

3835
04:34:30.040 --> 04:34:35.080
searched village cemetery again and again. The only thing they

3836
04:34:35.119 --> 04:34:39.880
turned up were the three pillowcases full of candy. As

3837
04:34:39.919 --> 04:34:43.560
far as Brian Chunk, Richie Horton, and Bill Chapman went,

3838
04:34:44.360 --> 04:34:49.720
their bodies were never found. In fact, they were never

3839
04:34:49.799 --> 04:34:54.279
found within the entire village of Strickfield. After several weeks

3840
04:34:54.319 --> 04:34:58.639
of searching and an investigation, the boys were finally given

3841
04:34:58.720 --> 04:35:03.840
up for law. In fact, the three boys were never

3842
04:35:04.560 --> 04:35:10.959
ever seen again. However, if you're ever fulheartedly brave enough,

3843
04:35:11.360 --> 04:35:14.840
and you happen to drive into Strickfield, go to the

3844
04:35:14.880 --> 04:35:21.159
bridge on Indian Hollow Road, the cry Baby Bridge at night.

3845
04:35:22.080 --> 04:35:25.639
Just remain there for a while. When you feel the

3846
04:35:25.680 --> 04:35:31.240
winds starting to blow, you might just might hear the

3847
04:35:31.319 --> 04:35:37.000
cries of Brian Chunk, Richie Horton, and Bill Chapman calling

3848
04:35:37.040 --> 04:35:41.200
out for help from beyond the mortal realm as we

3849
04:35:41.319 --> 04:35:46.680
know it. And you might even see the ghost of

3850
04:35:46.720 --> 04:35:52.959
Abigail Tomlin, who continues to haunt this region of Strickfield,

3851
04:35:54.360 --> 04:36:15.479
especially on Halloween Night. Tricks and treats by Keith Tomlin.

3852
04:36:17.200 --> 04:36:22.319
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, devils and demons. Allow

3853
04:36:22.439 --> 04:36:26.680
me to introduce myself, said a tall, thin man in

3854
04:36:26.720 --> 04:36:32.680
a dark red suit. People call me Jack, Jack Scratch. Flamboyantly,

3855
04:36:32.759 --> 04:36:36.799
removing his top hat, he gave a deep, almost mocking bow.

3856
04:36:37.520 --> 04:36:40.959
I am what you call a talent scout, a headhunter,

3857
04:36:41.200 --> 04:36:45.159
if you will, I scour the afterlife for people of

3858
04:36:45.279 --> 04:36:51.439
extraordinary passions, people devoted to the pillars of our organization,

3859
04:36:52.479 --> 04:36:58.360
namely blood, death and pain. Jack twirled his hat between

3860
04:36:58.360 --> 04:37:01.599
his fingers and with a flo snapped it into the

3861
04:37:01.639 --> 04:37:05.639
air and it landed perfectly on his head. He grinned

3862
04:37:05.680 --> 04:37:08.639
and rubbed the ends of his handlebar mustache that sat

3863
04:37:08.639 --> 04:37:14.159
atop his van Dyke goatee, before continuing Once a year

3864
04:37:14.520 --> 04:37:17.959
on Halloween, the big guy downstairs allows me to come

3865
04:37:17.959 --> 04:37:20.479
to visit you mortals, to get a preview of the

3866
04:37:20.880 --> 04:37:24.119
up and comers, the minor leaguers who may be called

3867
04:37:24.200 --> 04:37:28.560
up to the big leagues. Jack began strolling down the sidewalk,

3868
04:37:28.919 --> 04:37:32.880
past parents with children in costumes who paid him no attention.

3869
04:37:34.040 --> 04:37:38.000
Take this place, this small Midwestern town, an idyllic little

3870
04:37:38.040 --> 04:37:42.400
slice of heaven, Maybury apple pie and all that. What

3871
04:37:42.520 --> 04:37:46.840
could possibly happen in a place like this, Well, friends,

3872
04:37:47.599 --> 04:37:51.639
you may be surprised. Take a look over there at

3873
04:37:51.639 --> 04:37:59.360
that lovely family. The White Lion. Jacques Blanc, a middle

3874
04:37:59.400 --> 04:38:02.759
aged Rota huned man dressed in an expensive white suit,

3875
04:38:03.159 --> 04:38:07.680
watched his son Leon, his beloved white lion, walk up

3876
04:38:07.720 --> 04:38:11.400
the path to the two story house. His wife, Patricia

3877
04:38:11.759 --> 04:38:17.599
stood behind him, her face also glowing with love. Leon,

3878
04:38:17.799 --> 04:38:20.479
dressed as a clown with white and red face paint,

3879
04:38:20.799 --> 04:38:24.959
knocked lightly on the front door and waited, holding his

3880
04:38:25.080 --> 04:38:28.959
plastic pumpkin shaped bucket in front of him. As the

3881
04:38:29.040 --> 04:38:32.720
door opened to show an elderly woman. Leon raised his

3882
04:38:32.799 --> 04:38:37.240
bucket and in a slight French accent, said, take or treat.

3883
04:38:38.400 --> 04:38:42.360
Oh what a lovely clown. Here you go, sweetie, the

3884
04:38:42.400 --> 04:38:45.759
woman exclaimed as she dropped a handful of candy into

3885
04:38:45.799 --> 04:38:49.959
his bucket. Leon thanked her and walked back to his parents.

3886
04:38:50.599 --> 04:38:54.159
When Leon stopped in front of him, Jacques reached out

3887
04:38:54.319 --> 04:38:57.840
and lightly gripped him on the shoulder. He asked his son,

3888
04:38:58.159 --> 04:39:02.479
almost in a whisper, is this the house? No, Papa,

3889
04:39:03.080 --> 04:39:08.000
Leon replied, Well, then the hunt continues. Lead the way,

3890
04:39:09.159 --> 04:39:13.279
Jacques said, gesturing forward with a silver tipped walking cane.

3891
04:39:13.799 --> 04:39:18.080
Leon nodded, then turned and walked down the sidewalk, using

3892
04:39:18.119 --> 04:39:22.119
the cane to support himself. His father limped behind him.

3893
04:39:22.439 --> 04:39:25.000
They stopped at over a half a dozen more houses,

3894
04:39:25.360 --> 04:39:28.599
each trip to the front door ending with more candy

3895
04:39:28.919 --> 04:39:32.720
and Leon informing his father that this was not the house.

3896
04:39:33.439 --> 04:39:36.479
As Jacques watched his son walk up to another house,

3897
04:39:36.919 --> 04:39:40.520
he pushed back his impatience and frustration. It would not

3898
04:39:40.720 --> 04:39:45.200
do to unintentionally influence the boy. Once again, his son

3899
04:39:45.319 --> 04:39:48.119
knocked on a door, and this time it was a

3900
04:39:48.200 --> 04:39:52.040
large man in his thirties that answered. The man barely

3901
04:39:52.080 --> 04:39:54.840
looked at the child before dumping a candy bar into

3902
04:39:54.880 --> 04:39:58.119
his bucket and shutting the door without saying a word.

3903
04:39:58.959 --> 04:40:01.520
His son stared at the shut door for a couple

3904
04:40:01.520 --> 04:40:05.240
of heartbeats before turning to walk back up the driveway.

3905
04:40:06.159 --> 04:40:09.479
Jacques fought to keep his excitement from showing on his face.

3906
04:40:10.000 --> 04:40:14.520
He could tell this was it. He patiently waited until

3907
04:40:14.520 --> 04:40:18.439
his son walked up to stand before him. Well, son,

3908
04:40:18.919 --> 04:40:22.159
is this the house? He asked as neutrally as he could.

3909
04:40:22.959 --> 04:40:27.159
Leon looked at his father and then his mother. Yes, Papa, maman,

3910
04:40:27.840 --> 04:40:31.959
this is the house. Jacques gently patted his son's cheek

3911
04:40:32.479 --> 04:40:35.799
and nodded. He took another look at the house and

3912
04:40:35.840 --> 04:40:39.720
began strolling down the sidewalk with his son's hand and

3913
04:40:39.840 --> 04:40:45.279
his Richard Lane struggled against his urge to slam the door,

3914
04:40:45.680 --> 04:40:49.639
his rage simmering. Those damn kids knock on his door,

3915
04:40:49.840 --> 04:40:53.119
mock him, and he's expected to give them candy. The

3916
04:40:53.159 --> 04:40:56.400
worst part is that he has to or risk spending

3917
04:40:56.400 --> 04:40:59.080
the next day cleaning up toilet paper from the trees

3918
04:40:59.119 --> 04:41:03.279
and eggs off of it front door. Those kids need discipline,

3919
04:41:03.319 --> 04:41:07.119
not hugs and cuddles that their pansy ass fathers give them.

3920
04:41:07.439 --> 04:41:10.799
His knuckles turned white as he clenched his hand in anger.

3921
04:41:11.560 --> 04:41:15.240
He wanted to scream and rage smash everything in sight.

3922
04:41:16.040 --> 04:41:19.599
He forced himself to calm down, knowing that he would

3923
04:41:19.639 --> 04:41:22.799
have to wait to release what he called the beast.

3924
04:41:23.959 --> 04:41:27.919
When the doorbell rang again, Richard's rage threatened to explode.

3925
04:41:28.240 --> 04:41:31.840
He made himself take a couple of slow, deep breaths

3926
04:41:31.919 --> 04:41:36.599
before rising to answer it. Adapting a calm facade, Richard

3927
04:41:36.639 --> 04:41:39.639
opened the door to see a young boy dressed in

3928
04:41:39.680 --> 04:41:43.720
a clown outfit. He was slightly surprised as he recognized

3929
04:41:43.759 --> 04:41:47.319
the boy as one who'd stop by earlier, the one

3930
04:41:47.360 --> 04:41:52.959
with the faggy French accent. Please, Sir Leon said, with

3931
04:41:53.080 --> 04:41:56.880
tears streaking his makeup, I cannot find my papa. Can

3932
04:41:56.880 --> 04:42:00.880
you help me? Uh? Sure, kid, come on in, I'll

3933
04:42:00.919 --> 04:42:05.200
call the police station, Richard said. Caught off guard, sobbing,

3934
04:42:05.360 --> 04:42:09.319
Leon entered the house. Richard leaned outside and looked up

3935
04:42:09.360 --> 04:42:13.319
and down the sidewalk, Not seeing anyone, He locked the

3936
04:42:13.360 --> 04:42:17.240
front door and turned off his porch light. Richard turned

3937
04:42:17.279 --> 04:42:19.680
and looked at the child standing in his living room.

3938
04:42:20.599 --> 04:42:26.799
He licked his lips and tried not to shiver with anticipation. So, kid, uh,

3939
04:42:27.599 --> 04:42:30.919
just wait there and I'll call the cops, Richard said soothingly.

3940
04:42:31.599 --> 04:42:33.840
He reached over and picked up the receiver from a

3941
04:42:33.840 --> 04:42:37.360
phone sitting on a cheaply made end table. He pretended

3942
04:42:37.360 --> 04:42:41.799
to dial a number and began speaking to the dial tone. Yes, Hi,

3943
04:42:42.200 --> 04:42:45.599
I am a kid here who says he lost his parents. Uh, okay,

3944
04:42:45.639 --> 04:42:48.639
I'll hold Richard moved the phone away from his mouth.

3945
04:42:49.279 --> 04:42:53.400
They're transferring me to the correct apartment. Yes, I have

3946
04:42:53.439 --> 04:42:58.279
a kid here who lost his parents, Richard paused. I

3947
04:42:58.279 --> 04:43:00.880
don't know his name. I'll let you talk to him.

3948
04:43:01.159 --> 04:43:04.119
With his left hand, Richard reached the phone out towards Leon,

3949
04:43:04.200 --> 04:43:07.159
while his right hand slipped behind his back toward the

3950
04:43:07.240 --> 04:43:12.319
knife hidden under his shirt. Ah, there's my boy, said

3951
04:43:12.319 --> 04:43:16.319
a booming voice behind Richard startled. Richard turned toward the

3952
04:43:16.400 --> 04:43:20.000
voice while his right hand drew out a large hunting knife.

3953
04:43:20.360 --> 04:43:23.319
As he brought up the knife, all he saw was

3954
04:43:23.360 --> 04:43:27.080
a figure in white and a silver streak racing toward

3955
04:43:27.119 --> 04:43:30.639
his head. The floor shook as Richard hit the ground,

3956
04:43:30.840 --> 04:43:33.319
a trickle of blood running down his face, where the

3957
04:43:33.360 --> 04:43:37.680
silver handle of Jacques's walking stick connected with his temple.

3958
04:43:39.080 --> 04:43:43.360
Richard's head throbbed. As he regained consciousness, the face of

3959
04:43:43.400 --> 04:43:46.560
a man dressed in a prissy white suit slowly came

3960
04:43:46.599 --> 04:43:51.919
into focus. Ah, Miss Darline, Jacques said, checking the wallet

3961
04:43:51.959 --> 04:43:55.919
in his hand. You are awake. What the fuck is

3962
04:43:56.000 --> 04:44:00.400
going on? Richard groaned, Why are you bastards in my house?

3963
04:44:02.119 --> 04:44:05.759
Mister Lane, Jacques chided, that is no way to talk

3964
04:44:05.759 --> 04:44:09.040
in front of a lady and the child. Patricia looked

3965
04:44:09.080 --> 04:44:13.360
down at him disapprovingly. Richard tried to rise, only to

3966
04:44:13.439 --> 04:44:16.599
find that he was tied to a chair. He began

3967
04:44:16.680 --> 04:44:21.000
to struggle as Jacques continued speaking. Mister Lane, my son

3968
04:44:21.080 --> 04:44:25.520
has developed a talent for finding bad men, and you, monsieur,

3969
04:44:26.319 --> 04:44:30.279
are a very bad man, Jacques said, shaking his head.

3970
04:44:30.840 --> 04:44:33.840
My family has suffered greatly from men such as yourself.

3971
04:44:34.599 --> 04:44:37.599
Three of them attacked our house. I was savagely beaten

3972
04:44:37.639 --> 04:44:40.520
and spent many months in the hospital learning how to

3973
04:44:40.560 --> 04:44:47.040
walk again. My wife was violated. Jacques paused, his voice

3974
04:44:47.119 --> 04:44:52.080
nearly breaking. Patricia had tears flowing down her cheeks. My

3975
04:44:52.200 --> 04:44:55.840
son was able to hide, but he saw everything. Somehow,

3976
04:44:55.880 --> 04:44:59.479
this awoke in a power within him, and now we

3977
04:44:59.560 --> 04:45:04.520
travel reading the world of munsters such as yourself. Your

3978
04:45:04.560 --> 04:45:08.159
fucking nuts, Richard screamed as the beast took over. I'll

3979
04:45:08.159 --> 04:45:11.720
fucking kill you and a little bastard. He struggled against

3980
04:45:11.759 --> 04:45:14.840
his restraints and triumph flashed in his eyes as he

3981
04:45:14.880 --> 04:45:18.880
felt the wooden legs begin to give. Leon was staring

3982
04:45:18.919 --> 04:45:22.159
off into the darkness of the kitchen. The basement, Papa,

3983
04:45:22.560 --> 04:45:26.240
he keeps them in the basement, he said, quietly, like

3984
04:45:26.319 --> 04:45:31.159
a balloon pricked with a needle. Richard instantly deflated, what basement?

3985
04:45:32.000 --> 04:45:36.759
You're crazy, no, Leon said, his voice laden with sadness

3986
04:45:36.759 --> 04:45:40.759
of the ages. It is true you did unspeakable acts

3987
04:45:40.759 --> 04:45:42.959
to children, and you placed their bodies in the ground

3988
04:45:42.959 --> 04:45:47.880
below us. Bullshit, what liar told you that, Richard bellowed. Indignantly.

3989
04:45:48.840 --> 04:45:52.520
They did, Leon said, as a dozen young boys began

3990
04:45:52.639 --> 04:45:55.119
to stream out of the darkness of the kitchen and

3991
04:45:55.240 --> 04:45:58.599
into the living room. They surrounded Richard and stared at

3992
04:45:58.680 --> 04:46:02.560
him with soulful eyes. Are you crazy? There's nobody there,

3993
04:46:02.840 --> 04:46:08.240
Richard responded, bewildered. My son Jacques stated he can see

3994
04:46:08.279 --> 04:46:13.040
and speak with spirits, ones who die with violence. Bullshit,

3995
04:46:13.240 --> 04:46:17.279
Fuck this Richard once again strained against his restraints and

3996
04:46:17.439 --> 04:46:20.360
was rewarded by the arms of the chair snapping and

3997
04:46:20.439 --> 04:46:23.279
freeing his hands. He began to lunge out of the

3998
04:46:23.279 --> 04:46:26.319
seat when Jacques yanked the silver handle of his walking stick,

3999
04:46:26.599 --> 04:46:32.159
exposing a long, thin blade. Richard's eyes widened in shock

4000
04:46:32.400 --> 04:46:36.279
as this blade pierced his throat. Jacques flicked the blade

4001
04:46:36.400 --> 04:46:41.119
sideways and severed his carrotid artery. The Blanc family watched

4002
04:46:41.119 --> 04:46:45.279
impassively as Richard collapsed back into the chair and slowly

4003
04:46:45.319 --> 04:46:49.599
bled out. After a few seconds, Richard stood and looked

4004
04:46:49.599 --> 04:46:54.119
around in shock. He stopped and stared when he spotted

4005
04:46:55.080 --> 04:46:59.439
his own lifeless body backing off in terror, He turned

4006
04:46:59.439 --> 04:47:03.040
only to see the young boys surrounding him. The children

4007
04:47:03.200 --> 04:47:07.560
leaped on him, clawing and tearing. Richard screamed in terror

4008
04:47:07.599 --> 04:47:11.279
and pain. The boys dragged Richard into the kitchen toward

4009
04:47:11.360 --> 04:47:15.680
the basement door. Jacques bent down and hugged his son.

4010
04:47:16.279 --> 04:47:21.560
Are you okay, he asked, Leon nodded yes, Papa good.

4011
04:47:22.319 --> 04:47:25.240
You saved many lives to night. Don't you ever forget that.

4012
04:47:26.000 --> 04:47:28.680
Jacques stood and began to clean the blood from his

4013
04:47:28.759 --> 04:47:33.000
blade with a white handkerchief. Patricia leaned down and whispered

4014
04:47:33.000 --> 04:47:37.799
in Leon's ear. She straightened and looked at Jacques. Papa

4015
04:47:38.319 --> 04:47:42.959
Leon said, yes, my son, Mamman wanted you to know

4016
04:47:43.080 --> 04:47:46.759
that she is proud of you, of us, Leon told

4017
04:47:46.759 --> 04:47:51.680
his father, thank you. Where is she, Jacques said, ignoring

4018
04:47:51.720 --> 04:47:55.040
the tears rolling down his face. She's in front of you.

4019
04:47:56.080 --> 04:48:02.959
Jacques reached out his hand, passing through Patricia jett Ami Manchati.

4020
04:48:06.560 --> 04:48:11.000
Jack shook his head, how touching. Jack was relaxed on

4021
04:48:11.040 --> 04:48:14.119
a park bench, his long legs stretched out in front

4022
04:48:14.159 --> 04:48:18.360
of him. People walking by detoured around him without seeming

4023
04:48:18.360 --> 04:48:22.919
to notice him. Jack reached into his jacket. Another thing

4024
04:48:23.000 --> 04:48:26.240
I miss about this realm, he said, pulling out a cigar.

4025
04:48:27.000 --> 04:48:30.720
You can't beat a good smoke. Jack snapped his fingers

4026
04:48:30.919 --> 04:48:34.520
and a flame erupted from his thumb. He lit the cigar,

4027
04:48:35.200 --> 04:48:40.720
leaned back, and exhaled with obvious pleasure. Ah, you mortals

4028
04:48:40.799 --> 04:48:45.240
make sin taste so damn good. I love sin that

4029
04:48:45.360 --> 04:48:49.759
you can drink or smoke. Some people, however, prefer their

4030
04:48:49.840 --> 04:48:54.479
sin to be more physical. Jack said, take a look

4031
04:48:54.520 --> 04:48:57.720
at the trio of young men over there. Jack pointed

4032
04:48:57.720 --> 04:49:00.240
to a group of high school boys hiding by hind

4033
04:49:00.279 --> 04:49:03.759
a bush. They're about to learn some quick lessons in

4034
04:49:03.799 --> 04:49:13.560
the ways of sin the Countess. Ryan did not have

4035
04:49:13.639 --> 04:49:16.520
a good feeling about this. He looked over at his

4036
04:49:16.599 --> 04:49:19.799
friends Tim and Alan and wondered how they talked him

4037
04:49:19.799 --> 04:49:23.439
into this. Guys, let's just go home, he said, for

4038
04:49:23.479 --> 04:49:27.200
the tenth time, Dude, don't be a pussy. I told you.

4039
04:49:27.279 --> 04:49:29.840
My brother said that this chick loves high school dick.

4040
04:49:30.479 --> 04:49:32.720
He and some friends came here a few years ago

4041
04:49:32.799 --> 04:49:37.040
on Halloween and they all got laid. Tim explained for

4042
04:49:37.080 --> 04:49:41.000
the tenth time, what's the worst that could happen. She'll

4043
04:49:41.000 --> 04:49:42.959
slam the door in our face and you'll go home

4044
04:49:43.000 --> 04:49:46.639
and jerk off again. Alan shoved a mask at Ryan.

4045
04:49:47.240 --> 04:49:50.680
Put on your mask and shut the fuck up, he commanded.

4046
04:49:51.479 --> 04:49:54.159
Ryan gave up and slipped the elastic band of the

4047
04:49:54.400 --> 04:49:58.560
cheap plastic mask around his head. He briefly hesitated before

4048
04:49:58.639 --> 04:50:01.680
following the other two boys across the street and through

4049
04:50:01.720 --> 04:50:04.400
the front gate of a run down two story house.

4050
04:50:05.159 --> 04:50:08.119
Tim hesitated at the door until Alan poked him in

4051
04:50:08.159 --> 04:50:13.040
the ribs. Tim took a deep breath and knocked. After

4052
04:50:13.080 --> 04:50:16.400
a few seconds, the door was opened by a stunningly

4053
04:50:16.439 --> 04:50:20.159
attractive woman in her mid thirties. She wore a low

4054
04:50:20.240 --> 04:50:25.200
cut silk robe along with an amused expression. Why you

4055
04:50:25.360 --> 04:50:28.840
boys look a bit old to be out looking for treats,

4056
04:50:29.439 --> 04:50:33.720
she said suggestively. Her voice was silky smooth and had

4057
04:50:33.720 --> 04:50:38.400
a hint of an Eastern European accent. Alan poked Tim again.

4058
04:50:38.919 --> 04:50:44.959
Tim tore his eyes from her cleavage and began to stammer. Yes, ma'am,

4059
04:50:44.560 --> 04:50:47.799
my brother Terry was here a few years ago and

4060
04:50:47.840 --> 04:50:51.400
said that you like to I mean that you have

4061
04:50:52.319 --> 04:50:57.520
Halloween parties. Ah, you are looking for treats, she pard.

4062
04:50:58.159 --> 04:51:00.639
She looked each of them in the eyes, a knowing

4063
04:51:00.759 --> 04:51:04.759
smile on her face. Come in, I might have some

4064
04:51:05.919 --> 04:51:09.560
candy for you. She stepped back and gestured them in.

4065
04:51:10.279 --> 04:51:14.680
The boys shared an amazing look before moving inside. The

4066
04:51:14.799 --> 04:51:18.479
house was very warm and, in contrast to the exterior,

4067
04:51:18.959 --> 04:51:23.000
surprisingly well furnished. The furniture looked old, and the artwork

4068
04:51:23.040 --> 04:51:26.520
on the walls looked expensive. She shut the door and

4069
04:51:26.680 --> 04:51:29.880
led them to the living room. She turned and looked

4070
04:51:29.880 --> 04:51:32.759
at the boys, who were awkwardly standing just inside the

4071
04:51:32.799 --> 04:51:36.479
living room entryway. Come on, take off your jackets and

4072
04:51:36.520 --> 04:51:39.560
have a seat on the sofa, she smiled, leave on

4073
04:51:39.759 --> 04:51:44.040
your masks. While the boys complied, she walked over to

4074
04:51:44.080 --> 04:51:47.680
a liquor cabinet and began fixing drinks. As she presented

4075
04:51:47.720 --> 04:51:50.799
each boy a drink, she bent low and allowed them

4076
04:51:50.799 --> 04:51:53.840
to look down the front of her robe. When done,

4077
04:51:53.919 --> 04:51:58.479
she stepped back and looked them over. So my name

4078
04:51:58.560 --> 04:52:03.080
is Elizabeth. What a your names? Alan, nearly spilling his drink,

4079
04:52:03.319 --> 04:52:06.959
pointed at each of them in turn. I'm Alan, this

4080
04:52:07.119 --> 04:52:11.360
is Tim, and the skinny nerd on the end is Ryan. Ah.

4081
04:52:11.400 --> 04:52:15.840
Such nice American names. You're lucky. I have plans tonight,

4082
04:52:15.919 --> 04:52:20.040
but I think I can squeeze you in, Elizabeth said.

4083
04:52:20.759 --> 04:52:23.639
She stared at each of them, her piercing gaze stripping

4084
04:52:23.680 --> 04:52:26.639
them down to their souls. As she looked at him,

4085
04:52:26.720 --> 04:52:30.759
Ryan began to panic, feeling like a rabbit being examined

4086
04:52:30.799 --> 04:52:34.959
by a wolf. I think we should go, Ryan spoke,

4087
04:52:35.279 --> 04:52:39.680
breaking the spell that seemed to have enveloped the room. Nonsense,

4088
04:52:40.159 --> 04:52:44.200
she said, laughing. This is a beggar's night, is it not?

4089
04:52:44.919 --> 04:52:47.560
Where I come from, it is bad luck to turn

4090
04:52:47.639 --> 04:52:51.799
away a beggar. She sighed wistfully. I wish I had

4091
04:52:51.880 --> 04:52:53.680
more time to get to know each of you, but

4092
04:52:53.880 --> 04:52:56.200
we'll have to make do with the time we have.

4093
04:52:57.119 --> 04:53:01.279
She pointed at Alan, You I think will be first.

4094
04:53:01.799 --> 04:53:04.479
She headed to the stairs leading up to the second floor.

4095
04:53:04.959 --> 04:53:07.720
As she began to climb, she slowly tugged at the

4096
04:53:07.799 --> 04:53:13.159
knot in the robe's sash. Don't make me wait, she cooed,

4097
04:53:13.439 --> 04:53:16.919
as the robe slipped from her shoulders. She was wearing

4098
04:53:17.000 --> 04:53:21.599
nothing underneath. After she disappeared upstairs, Alan turned to the

4099
04:53:21.680 --> 04:53:26.319
other boys. Fuck, yeah, hope you like sloppy. Seconds Alan

4100
04:53:26.439 --> 04:53:29.400
jumped to his feet and practically ran up the stairs.

4101
04:53:30.200 --> 04:53:33.479
Ryan and Tim sat in stunned silence for a few minutes,

4102
04:53:34.080 --> 04:53:38.599
until Tim leaned over and whispered to Ryan, Wow, I

4103
04:53:38.639 --> 04:53:41.240
can't believe this is happening. It's like something out of

4104
04:53:41.240 --> 04:53:47.720
a porno. Something is wrong here. This doesn't feel right,

4105
04:53:48.119 --> 04:53:52.000
Ryan whispered back. Tim lifted his mask. Damn it, you

4106
04:53:52.040 --> 04:53:55.159
always do this shit. I don't know why we're still friends.

4107
04:53:55.639 --> 04:53:57.919
You'd rather be at home in your mom's basement playing

4108
04:53:57.959 --> 04:54:00.919
magic the Gathering, then out at parties and getting laid.

4109
04:54:02.159 --> 04:54:05.880
But I like magic the Gathering, Ryan replied, sounding hurt.

4110
04:54:06.720 --> 04:54:10.360
Grow the fuck up. Tim snorted, looking away and pulling

4111
04:54:10.360 --> 04:54:14.200
his mask back down. The two sat in awkward silence

4112
04:54:14.279 --> 04:54:18.560
until a voice called them from upstairs. Tim, would you

4113
04:54:18.639 --> 04:54:21.319
like to come up here and join me? Tim stood,

4114
04:54:21.599 --> 04:54:24.200
took a look at Ryan and shook his head in disgust.

4115
04:54:24.880 --> 04:54:29.880
He turned and without a word, walked upstairs. Ryan sat

4116
04:54:29.919 --> 04:54:33.400
on the couch by himself. Many times he started to

4117
04:54:33.400 --> 04:54:35.959
get up to leave, but he knew that his life

4118
04:54:35.959 --> 04:54:39.240
would be hell on Monday if he did. Alan would

4119
04:54:39.279 --> 04:54:42.200
be sure to let everyone know at school that he

4120
04:54:42.279 --> 04:54:47.119
pussied out on a sure thing. Fuck, Ryan said, after

4121
04:54:47.279 --> 04:54:50.959
endless minutes of contemplation. It's not like they don't make

4122
04:54:50.959 --> 04:54:54.319
fun of me. Now, this is bullshit. I'm just gonna go,

4123
04:54:54.880 --> 04:54:58.279
Ryan thought. Just as he stood to leave, he heard

4124
04:54:58.319 --> 04:55:02.639
a soft voice from upstairs. Ryan, you are not leaving,

4125
04:55:02.680 --> 04:55:08.360
I hope, said the soft voice, sending shivers down his spine.

4126
04:55:08.599 --> 04:55:14.080
Come to me, Ryan, she commanded. Almost without conscious thought,

4127
04:55:14.479 --> 04:55:18.000
he rose and began to climb the stairs. His mind

4128
04:55:18.119 --> 04:55:22.400
was screaming danger, but his body kept climbing. At the

4129
04:55:22.439 --> 04:55:25.400
top of the stairs was a short haul with several doors.

4130
04:55:26.000 --> 04:55:29.080
The door at the end was open. Ryan entered to

4131
04:55:29.080 --> 04:55:33.599
see Elizabeth stretched out on the bed, wearing a thin negligee.

4132
04:55:33.959 --> 04:55:38.319
Come here, my darling, she whispered, patting the bed. Her

4133
04:55:38.400 --> 04:55:43.080
voice had a raspiness that it didn't have before. Ryan,

4134
04:55:43.200 --> 04:55:45.639
as if in a dream, sat down on the bed

4135
04:55:45.720 --> 04:55:49.319
next to her. She reached out and stroked his chin.

4136
04:55:50.520 --> 04:55:55.119
At her touch, he jerked his head away. She laughed, Oh,

4137
04:55:55.240 --> 04:55:58.919
come on now, we'll have none of that. You are

4138
04:55:58.959 --> 04:56:03.080
the one who peeked my interest. The others were meaningless.

4139
04:56:03.959 --> 04:56:07.799
It is you that I wanted, she said, snuggling up

4140
04:56:07.840 --> 04:56:10.560
to him, her tongue flicking out to touch his ear.

4141
04:56:11.560 --> 04:56:15.520
Ryan jerked back, shaking a confusion from his mind. Where

4142
04:56:16.360 --> 04:56:19.080
where are my friends, he said, leaning away from her.

4143
04:56:19.919 --> 04:56:24.000
They're fine, They sleep like the dead. What we did

4144
04:56:24.080 --> 04:56:27.639
takes a lot out of a man. But wait, you

4145
04:56:27.720 --> 04:56:32.479
wouldn't know that, would you, she said, teasing him. He

4146
04:56:32.560 --> 04:56:36.520
looked confused, Darling, I love it that you've never been

4147
04:56:36.520 --> 04:56:40.720
with a woman. I have. I mean, I'm not a virgin,

4148
04:56:41.159 --> 04:56:46.759
he protested. Shh. Back in Hungary, where I grew up,

4149
04:56:47.040 --> 04:56:49.840
I had a maid who taught me all kinds of things.

4150
04:56:50.400 --> 04:56:53.400
One was how to look into someone's eyes and tell

4151
04:56:53.840 --> 04:56:57.479
if they've ever laid with another. She also taught me this.

4152
04:56:58.240 --> 04:57:01.479
Elizabeth grabbed the back of Ryan's head and pulled him

4153
04:57:01.479 --> 04:57:05.279
toward her. He resisted at first, but soon gave in

4154
04:57:05.919 --> 04:57:09.919
to the passionate kiss that followed. Ryan was lost in

4155
04:57:09.959 --> 04:57:12.799
the kiss, but started to panic as his lips began

4156
04:57:12.959 --> 04:57:17.560
to burn and grow numb. The numbness spread across his

4157
04:57:17.639 --> 04:57:20.560
face and moved down his body until he was trapped

4158
04:57:20.560 --> 04:57:25.680
inside a body that he could not control. Sleep, my darling,

4159
04:57:26.200 --> 04:57:33.400
Elizabeth said, as Ryan slipped away into unconsciousness. Ryan woke

4160
04:57:33.479 --> 04:57:37.919
to the sounds of chains rattling. Groggily. He tried to

4161
04:57:37.959 --> 04:57:40.639
sit up, but found that he was lashed to a

4162
04:57:40.680 --> 04:57:44.919
board suspended in the air. He was on his back,

4163
04:57:45.000 --> 04:57:48.959
with his feet elevated slightly. He tried to look around,

4164
04:57:49.000 --> 04:57:56.439
but could see only cold white tiles lit by flickering candles. Ah,

4165
04:57:56.599 --> 04:57:59.799
you are awake, Elizabeth said, pulling on a chain and

4166
04:58:00.000 --> 04:58:04.119
lifting Ryan higher. I saw miss the days when I

4167
04:58:04.159 --> 04:58:08.080
had others do chores like this. It doesn't seem right

4168
04:58:08.159 --> 04:58:11.919
that a countess should be doing manual labor. But times

4169
04:58:11.919 --> 04:58:14.759
have changed, and I am no longer a noble woman

4170
04:58:14.840 --> 04:58:19.639
with a castle full of servants, she said wistfully. Ryan

4171
04:58:19.720 --> 04:58:23.400
tried to talk to yell, but he found he couldn't

4172
04:58:23.439 --> 04:58:27.799
make a sound. There there, darling, it will be over soon.

4173
04:58:28.439 --> 04:58:31.479
You saved me much effort coming to me like this.

4174
04:58:32.240 --> 04:58:35.319
The spell for eternal youth is quite simple, but it

4175
04:58:35.400 --> 04:58:39.400
does require the blood of a virgin, and they are

4176
04:58:40.520 --> 04:58:45.599
so hard to find nowadays. As Ryan struggled to free himself,

4177
04:58:45.799 --> 04:58:50.240
Elizabeth stripped nude and began chanting. When the last of

4178
04:58:50.279 --> 04:58:54.279
the incantation stopped echoing off the sterile white walls, she

4179
04:58:54.439 --> 04:58:57.560
picked up a hollow metal tube that had a needle

4180
04:58:57.599 --> 04:59:01.520
on one end. She expertly pierced Ryan's neck with it,

4181
04:59:02.000 --> 04:59:05.000
and blood began running out of the open end and

4182
04:59:05.080 --> 04:59:10.240
into an antique bathtub. Elizabeth kissed Ryan on the forehead.

4183
04:59:10.759 --> 04:59:15.639
Thank you, darling, for giving me your life. She stood

4184
04:59:15.759 --> 04:59:19.439
naked and climbed into the tub, allowing the stream of

4185
04:59:19.479 --> 04:59:23.439
blood to run over her face and flow down between

4186
04:59:23.479 --> 04:59:34.439
her breasts. Ryan silently screamed as his life flowed from him.

4187
04:59:34.639 --> 04:59:39.040
There's more scares where that came from. Weekly Spooky will

4188
04:59:39.080 --> 04:59:39.880
be right back.

4189
04:59:45.680 --> 04:59:49.599
Such a shame, Jack said, shaking his head. I have

4190
04:59:49.680 --> 04:59:52.360
a special position that I keep open for the Countess,

4191
04:59:52.360 --> 04:59:56.319
but I fear it won't be filled anytime soon. So

4192
04:59:56.560 --> 05:00:00.520
sad she could be such a great asset to the organization.

4193
05:00:01.560 --> 05:00:04.880
Oh well, let's get on with it, shall we. Jack

4194
05:00:04.919 --> 05:00:07.840
took a few steps and then stopped to lean against

4195
05:00:07.880 --> 05:00:12.639
a fence. Even small towns can have big town crimes,

4196
05:00:12.959 --> 05:00:16.400
and desperation can bring out the worst in people. Will

4197
05:00:16.439 --> 05:00:19.560
it be enough to earn a management position in the organization,

4198
05:00:19.759 --> 05:00:22.919
or will they end up being one of the endless drones,

4199
05:00:23.000 --> 05:00:27.840
beaten and tortured for eternity. Well, kids, let's find out.

4200
05:00:28.720 --> 05:00:31.479
Keep an eye on that gentleman standing in the shadows

4201
05:00:31.479 --> 05:00:34.840
down there, Jack said, pointing to a clump of bushes

4202
05:00:34.880 --> 05:00:38.680
down the street. But first, I wouldn't be a true

4203
05:00:38.799 --> 05:00:43.200
representative of Satan without a couple of advertisers, now would I.

4204
05:00:43.919 --> 05:00:46.840
They'll sell you something, and then we'll be back for

4205
05:00:46.959 --> 05:00:59.759
a final tale. The bunny Eddie Young looked again at

4206
05:00:59.759 --> 05:01:02.720
the hole in his jacket. He was lucky that the

4207
05:01:02.759 --> 05:01:05.560
bullet the cop had fired missed him by an inch.

4208
05:01:06.439 --> 05:01:08.799
He smiled when he recalled how he put one in

4209
05:01:08.840 --> 05:01:12.759
the middle of that pig's face. Fucking cops, he thought.

4210
05:01:13.400 --> 05:01:16.080
Eddie cocked his head and listened to the sirens off

4211
05:01:16.080 --> 05:01:19.240
in the distance. He cursed as he realized that they

4212
05:01:19.279 --> 05:01:22.959
were getting closer, and on top of that, he thought

4213
05:01:23.000 --> 05:01:27.319
he could hear a helicopter too. Okay, think, he said

4214
05:01:27.319 --> 05:01:31.360
out loud. Looking around, he saw several groups of children

4215
05:01:31.360 --> 05:01:35.799
and adults walking down the sidewalks, the youngsters all in costume.

4216
05:01:36.560 --> 05:01:39.159
He needed to get off the street. A lone man

4217
05:01:39.279 --> 05:01:42.959
walking around when kids are trigger treating may look suspicious.

4218
05:01:43.520 --> 05:01:47.240
He also needed a car hidden in the shadows between

4219
05:01:47.240 --> 05:01:50.720
a tree and some tall bushes. He studied the nearby houses.

4220
05:01:51.560 --> 05:01:54.560
The Blue House. The woman that answered the door to

4221
05:01:54.599 --> 05:01:57.400
pass out candy was in her late twenties or early thirties.

4222
05:01:58.360 --> 05:02:02.439
There was a little Jap car the driveway. No man

4223
05:02:02.479 --> 05:02:05.319
would own a little pussy car like that, at least

4224
05:02:05.799 --> 05:02:09.360
not one living with a woman, Eddie thought. He strolled

4225
05:02:09.400 --> 05:02:11.880
past the house and noticed that there was no car

4226
05:02:11.919 --> 05:02:14.639
seat in the car or anything else to indicate that

4227
05:02:14.720 --> 05:02:18.400
she had kids. As he turned back around, he noticed

4228
05:02:18.400 --> 05:02:21.520
a little girl who couldn't be more than six or seven,

4229
05:02:21.919 --> 05:02:24.880
leave the sidewalk and approach the Blue houses front door.

4230
05:02:25.599 --> 05:02:28.319
She was dressed in a white one piece bunny suit

4231
05:02:28.599 --> 05:02:32.560
wearing a rabbit mask. Her bunny ears bobbing with every step.

4232
05:02:33.360 --> 05:02:36.240
Eddie looked around and did not see any adults near by.

4233
05:02:37.119 --> 05:02:40.040
He didn't know why this child was alone, but he

4234
05:02:40.159 --> 05:02:42.479
was never one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

4235
05:02:43.240 --> 05:02:47.080
Decision made. He began walking briskly up behind the little

4236
05:02:47.119 --> 05:02:50.319
girl who had knocked on the door. Just as the

4237
05:02:50.360 --> 05:02:53.520
door opened, he stopped next to the girl, who tilted

4238
05:02:53.520 --> 05:02:56.959
her head back to look up at him. Mindy opened

4239
05:02:57.000 --> 05:03:00.000
the door and exclaimed, Oh, look at the little by

4240
05:03:00.479 --> 05:03:03.759
So cute. The little girl shifted her gaze to her

4241
05:03:04.119 --> 05:03:07.680
and held up a pillowcase for candy. Eddie gave his

4242
05:03:07.759 --> 05:03:11.479
best smile. I know she is a little angel. I

4243
05:03:11.520 --> 05:03:14.479
hate to bother you, but can she use your bathroom?

4244
05:03:14.799 --> 05:03:17.759
Eddie drawled as he pushed the little girl forward into

4245
05:03:17.799 --> 05:03:23.400
the doorway. Mindy seemed surprised, but instinctively stepped back, allowing

4246
05:03:23.520 --> 05:03:28.119
Eddie and the little girl inside. Um, I guess, she said,

4247
05:03:28.200 --> 05:03:31.200
taking a few more steps back as Eddie kept moving

4248
05:03:31.240 --> 05:03:35.520
them forward. Once inside, Eddie pushed the door shut, then

4249
05:03:35.560 --> 05:03:38.040
shoved the girl at Mindy, who had to grab the

4250
05:03:38.080 --> 05:03:41.479
girl's arm to keep her from falling. What are you doing,

4251
05:03:41.959 --> 05:03:45.000
Mindy gasped, words died in her mouth as she looked

4252
05:03:45.080 --> 05:03:48.040
up to see a large handgun pointed at her head.

4253
05:03:48.759 --> 05:03:52.520
Shut up and listened, bitch, Eddie snarled. The first time

4254
05:03:52.560 --> 05:03:54.479
you do or say something I didn't tell you to,

4255
05:03:54.720 --> 05:03:57.520
I'm shooting this damn kid in the head. The second time,

4256
05:03:57.720 --> 05:04:01.959
I'm shooting you. He punctual words by pressing the gun

4257
05:04:02.000 --> 05:04:06.080
to the child's head and then hers. Mindy's face went

4258
05:04:06.119 --> 05:04:09.599
pale with fear and she nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

4259
05:04:10.279 --> 05:04:14.799
Where's your husband, Eddie asked, I I don't have a husband,

4260
05:04:15.159 --> 05:04:22.000
She said, your boyfriend, roommate. I live alone. Mindy said, okay, darling,

4261
05:04:22.360 --> 05:04:24.880
So here's what we're gonna do, Eddie said, as he

4262
05:04:24.959 --> 05:04:27.840
noticed the child walking to the front door. Get that

4263
05:04:27.919 --> 05:04:32.599
fucking kid away from the door, Eddie exploded. Mindy rushed

4264
05:04:32.639 --> 05:04:34.880
over to the child and wrapped her arms around her.

4265
05:04:35.200 --> 05:04:39.159
She looked at Eddie and asked, is this your daughter? Shit? No,

4266
05:04:39.439 --> 05:04:42.720
just some brad off the street, Eddie answered, walking over

4267
05:04:42.759 --> 05:04:46.040
to the window to peer outside. Mindy lowered herself to

4268
05:04:46.119 --> 05:04:49.759
her knees and looked the girl in the eyes. Sweetie,

4269
05:04:50.040 --> 05:04:53.479
what is your name? Are your parents around, Daddy or mommy.

4270
05:04:54.360 --> 05:04:56.959
Seeing no recognition in the eyes, she hugged the girl.

4271
05:04:57.959 --> 05:05:01.840
I think she may be mentally handicapped, great, Eddie said,

4272
05:05:02.080 --> 05:05:05.119
as he let the curtain fall back into place. I

4273
05:05:05.200 --> 05:05:09.479
picked a fucking retard. We don't use the R word. Look,

4274
05:05:09.599 --> 05:05:11.720
I'm a special ed teacher and we have to be

4275
05:05:11.759 --> 05:05:15.840
patient with kids with special needs. Mindy scolded lady. I

4276
05:05:15.880 --> 05:05:18.200
don't give a fuck. All you need to know is

4277
05:05:18.200 --> 05:05:20.360
that if you fuck up, I'll blow her brains out

4278
05:05:20.400 --> 05:05:23.919
the back of her head. Eddie commented coldly. As he

4279
05:05:24.000 --> 05:05:27.240
walked around the living room. Mindy stroked the girl's hair

4280
05:05:27.279 --> 05:05:30.680
and whispered words of comfort from behind her mask. The

4281
05:05:30.799 --> 05:05:34.119
child's eyes flicked back and forth from Mindy to Eddie.

4282
05:05:34.720 --> 05:05:38.680
Eddie stopped pacing and looked at Mindy. Okay, here's the plan.

4283
05:05:39.159 --> 05:05:41.639
I'm going to stay here for a bit and then

4284
05:05:41.680 --> 05:05:44.200
I'll tie you up and leave you here. I'll take

4285
05:05:44.240 --> 05:05:46.720
the kid and leave in your car at the first

4286
05:05:46.840 --> 05:05:48.919
door I pass. I'll drop her off in the parking

4287
05:05:48.959 --> 05:05:51.680
lot and someone will find her. You can't drop a

4288
05:05:51.799 --> 05:05:55.400
child off in a parking lot, Mindy said, indignant. She

4289
05:05:55.520 --> 05:05:58.680
stood to face Eddie. You were not taking her anywhere.

4290
05:05:59.159 --> 05:06:02.040
Mindy pushed the little girl behind her, shielding her from

4291
05:06:02.040 --> 05:06:07.080
the intruder. Eddie laughed humorously. I'm not asking for permission.

4292
05:06:07.439 --> 05:06:09.840
I'm telling you what's going to happen if you and

4293
05:06:09.880 --> 05:06:12.759
the brat want to get out of this alive. Eddie

4294
05:06:12.799 --> 05:06:16.200
waved the gun in the air. Remember I'm the guy

4295
05:06:16.319 --> 05:06:19.959
with the gun. Mindy's retort was cut off as they

4296
05:06:20.000 --> 05:06:23.240
heard the sound of a refrigerator door being opened. Eddie

4297
05:06:23.279 --> 05:06:25.680
cursed as he realized that the child was no longer

4298
05:06:25.680 --> 05:06:28.759
in the room. He shoved Mindy across the living room

4299
05:06:28.840 --> 05:06:32.360
and stormed into the kitchen. Mindy was just rising to

4300
05:06:32.400 --> 05:06:34.479
her feet when Eddie came back into the room and

4301
05:06:34.520 --> 05:06:37.360
practically threw the child at her. If you don't keep

4302
05:06:37.400 --> 05:06:39.479
an eye on her, I'm gonna put one through her

4303
05:06:39.520 --> 05:06:43.720
fucking head. Mindy said nothing. She just hugged the child.

4304
05:06:44.560 --> 05:06:47.240
For the next half an hour, silence hung over the

4305
05:06:47.240 --> 05:06:51.560
living room. Eddie paced back and forth, occasionally looking out

4306
05:06:51.560 --> 05:06:56.279
the front window. Finally, he nodded, Okay, it looks like

4307
05:06:56.319 --> 05:06:59.520
trick or treat is over. He said, give me your

4308
05:06:59.520 --> 05:07:02.560
car key. They're on the table next to the door,

4309
05:07:02.599 --> 05:07:07.959
but the car won't start. Mindy said, what, Eddie said, Yeah,

4310
05:07:08.080 --> 05:07:11.119
my dad thinks it's the battery. He's supposed to stop

4311
05:07:11.119 --> 05:07:14.119
by tomorrow to look at it. Mindy stated, her fatigue

4312
05:07:14.119 --> 05:07:18.639
showing in her voice. Are you fucking serious, you damn bitch,

4313
05:07:19.119 --> 05:07:21.520
Eddie screamed as he rushed over and grabbed Mindy by

4314
05:07:21.599 --> 05:07:24.560
the neck, lifting her to her feet. If you're lying,

4315
05:07:24.759 --> 05:07:28.360
I'll break your fucking teeth, snarled Eddie as he drew

4316
05:07:28.439 --> 05:07:31.479
back the hand holding the gun. Mindy brought her hands

4317
05:07:31.560 --> 05:07:34.520
up to block the blow. Movement in the corner of

4318
05:07:34.639 --> 05:07:37.880
Eddie's vision caused him to stop and turned just in

4319
05:07:37.959 --> 05:07:41.240
time to see the child going out the front door. Shit,

4320
05:07:42.119 --> 05:07:45.400
Eddie yelled, tossing Mindy back to the floor. He rushed

4321
05:07:45.439 --> 05:07:47.279
over and grabbed the little girl by the back of

4322
05:07:47.319 --> 05:07:50.880
her bunny costume, yanking her inside and slamming the door.

4323
05:07:51.959 --> 05:07:55.040
God damn it, I fucking told you, Eddie screamed as

4324
05:07:55.040 --> 05:07:57.439
he threw the child on the couch. He grabbed one

4325
05:07:57.439 --> 05:08:00.000
of the couch pillows and covered the girl's face with it.

4326
05:08:00.639 --> 05:08:03.759
He shoved the gun into the pillow and was about

4327
05:08:03.759 --> 05:08:07.119
to shoot when Mindy let out a scream and leaped

4328
05:08:07.119 --> 05:08:10.119
on his back. Eddie threw back his elbow and Mindy

4329
05:08:10.159 --> 05:08:14.319
went flying, crashing into the coffee table. Time stood still

4330
05:08:14.360 --> 05:08:18.520
for Mindy. Everything was blurry except for two things, the

4331
05:08:18.599 --> 05:08:22.520
gun poised above the pillow and a heavy ceramic ashtray

4332
05:08:22.799 --> 05:08:26.000
that was knocked off of the coffee table. She reached

4333
05:08:26.040 --> 05:08:29.919
out for the ashtray, and as soon as her handmade contact,

4334
05:08:30.479 --> 05:08:34.240
time began to flow once again. Eddie rammed the gun

4335
05:08:34.279 --> 05:08:36.959
into the pillow. Before he could pull the trigger, Mindy

4336
05:08:37.040 --> 05:08:39.680
swung the ashtray as hard as she could, striking him

4337
05:08:39.720 --> 05:08:42.400
in the back of the head. Eddie groaned and the

4338
05:08:42.439 --> 05:08:45.520
gun fired, hitting the couch inches from the little girl.

4339
05:08:46.319 --> 05:08:48.439
Eddie tried to roll over to bring the gun up,

4340
05:08:48.479 --> 05:08:52.880
but Mindy raised the ashtray and swung it again and again.

4341
05:08:54.200 --> 05:08:57.119
She didn't know how many times she hit him, but

4342
05:08:57.200 --> 05:09:01.639
when she stopped, the bloody, gory mess atop Eddie's shoulders

4343
05:09:02.400 --> 05:09:07.159
was not recognizable as a human head. Mindy let go

4344
05:09:07.240 --> 05:09:11.360
of the ashtray and fell to her knees, sobbing. Minutes later,

4345
05:09:11.439 --> 05:09:15.599
she felt a small hand touching her shoulder. Looking up

4346
05:09:15.639 --> 05:09:18.520
to see the little girl, she enveloped her in a

4347
05:09:18.560 --> 05:09:21.919
crushing bear hug. Mindy then sat the girl on the

4348
05:09:21.959 --> 05:09:26.000
coffee table and examined her. Are you okay? Did you

4349
05:09:26.040 --> 05:09:30.959
get hurt? Mindy asked, getting no response. Seeing no signs

4350
05:09:31.000 --> 05:09:34.080
of injury or blood, she began to remove the mask.

4351
05:09:35.080 --> 05:09:37.680
The little girl tried to push Mindy's hands away, but

4352
05:09:38.279 --> 05:09:42.400
Mindy tried to soothe her. Sh it's okay, I need

4353
05:09:42.400 --> 05:09:44.959
to make sure you're all right, Mindy said in a

4354
05:09:45.000 --> 05:09:49.799
soft voice. Despite the girl's silent protests, Mindy lifted the

4355
05:09:49.880 --> 05:09:54.040
mask and then stopped, frozen in shock. The skin on

4356
05:09:54.080 --> 05:09:58.240
the child's face was leathery and rough. Strands of thick,

4357
05:09:58.520 --> 05:10:01.159
coarse hair dotted her face, and there was a pig

4358
05:10:01.279 --> 05:10:04.560
like snout where her nose should have been. Two small

4359
05:10:04.639 --> 05:10:07.360
tusks jutted out of her cheeks, and her mouth was

4360
05:10:07.439 --> 05:10:11.959
wide with thin lips. The child's eyes searched Mindy's and,

4361
05:10:12.040 --> 05:10:18.479
finding fear and revulsion, the child smiled, showing rose of

4362
05:10:18.599 --> 05:10:23.840
little razor sharp teeth. Mindy's last words were a plea

4363
05:10:23.959 --> 05:10:28.799
to her God for help, a plea that went unanswered.

4364
05:10:34.319 --> 05:10:36.759
Oh well, I don't think Eddie is going to make

4365
05:10:36.840 --> 05:10:40.000
the cut. So few live up to their true potential.

4366
05:10:40.759 --> 05:10:44.520
What is today's society coming to, Jack said, shaking his

4367
05:10:44.599 --> 05:10:49.040
head sadly. Jack looked down at his wrist. Oh my, look,

4368
05:10:49.080 --> 05:10:52.279
at the time, I had a thoroughly enlightening time with you,

4369
05:10:52.799 --> 05:10:55.439
and I thank each and every one of you. I

4370
05:10:55.479 --> 05:10:59.840
hope I can express my gratitude in person one day.

4371
05:11:00.599 --> 05:11:04.520
Jack bowed, I must be going now, so little time left.

4372
05:11:04.959 --> 05:11:07.279
I haven't gotten my hands wet all night, and that

4373
05:11:07.680 --> 05:11:11.639
simply won't do, said Jack, grinning like a madman. With

4374
05:11:11.759 --> 05:11:14.840
that said, I'll take my leave of you and bid

4375
05:11:14.919 --> 05:11:20.040
you adio, Jack said, bowing once again. Looking around, Jack

4376
05:11:20.080 --> 05:11:23.959
called out Isabella, come on, dear, we have deeds to do.

4377
05:11:24.840 --> 05:11:27.319
A young child wearing a bunny mask in a one

4378
05:11:27.360 --> 05:11:31.599
piece white bunny suit wet with red stains emerged out

4379
05:11:31.639 --> 05:11:35.759
of the darkness. She grabbed Jack's outstretched hand and they

4380
05:11:35.799 --> 05:11:46.599
walked off into the night. The Night Stalker by Shane

4381
05:11:46.680 --> 05:11:52.799
Migliavanka Millicent Richard's Milly to her friends, sat on the

4382
05:11:52.919 --> 05:11:56.520
edge of her bed, pulling on her sneakers. She took

4383
05:11:56.560 --> 05:12:00.360
a deep breath, lost in her thoughts. Tonight she would

4384
05:12:00.400 --> 05:12:04.919
begin her first real job, and on Halloween, no less

4385
05:12:05.680 --> 05:12:08.599
a lot less fun than tricker treating with Annette Wilson

4386
05:12:08.639 --> 05:12:13.479
and Diane Samuels. Damn. Milly sure as hell didn't want

4387
05:12:13.479 --> 05:12:16.720
to go tonight, but she needed the money and her

4388
05:12:16.759 --> 05:12:20.759
parents could use the help. She stood on the radio.

4389
05:12:20.919 --> 05:12:24.639
Bobby Brown was singing about calling the Ghostbusters, while a

4390
05:12:24.720 --> 05:12:27.680
muted Knight of the Living Dead played on the television.

4391
05:12:28.319 --> 05:12:31.759
She picked up her Bargain Groceri's cap and adjusted it

4392
05:12:31.799 --> 05:12:34.599
on her head. She took a moment to look at

4393
05:12:34.599 --> 05:12:38.400
herself in the mirror. Smartly dressed in her crisp new

4394
05:12:38.639 --> 05:12:42.560
blue and gold uniform, her light brown hair pulled back

4395
05:12:42.599 --> 05:12:47.599
into a ponytail. Not too bad. Switching the TV and

4396
05:12:47.720 --> 05:12:51.240
radio off, Milly picked up her walkman an orange book bag.

4397
05:12:51.840 --> 05:12:55.360
She turned to leave, but first turned to her poster

4398
05:12:55.479 --> 05:12:59.680
of Patrick Swayze, which hung on her bedroom door. Wish

4399
05:12:59.720 --> 05:13:04.840
me luckuck. She headed downstairs. The staircase railing was decorated

4400
05:13:04.840 --> 05:13:08.880
with orange pumpkin shaped lights. Her mother always went all

4401
05:13:08.919 --> 05:13:13.720
out for the holidays. Rise from the Grave, an artificial

4402
05:13:13.799 --> 05:13:16.880
voice commanded from her brother's video game in the living room,

4403
05:13:17.560 --> 05:13:21.279
See you later, Russ. Without taking his eyes off the TV,

4404
05:13:21.840 --> 05:13:25.639
Russ waved back. Milly stepped into the hall taking her

4405
05:13:25.680 --> 05:13:30.759
coat from the closet. Can we manage barb Milly heard

4406
05:13:30.759 --> 05:13:35.319
her father in the kitchen. We can try the extra money.

4407
05:13:35.360 --> 05:13:42.080
You'll definitely help. Is it enough? I I don't know,

4408
05:13:42.680 --> 05:13:46.639
her mother answered. Milly went to the door quietly and

4409
05:13:46.759 --> 05:13:56.119
exited the house unnoticed. Witches, zombies, and skeletons rushed up

4410
05:13:56.119 --> 05:14:01.520
and down the street on the hunt for candy or mischief.

4411
05:14:02.240 --> 05:14:04.880
She clipped the walkman to her belt and slid on

4412
05:14:04.959 --> 05:14:09.680
the headphones. Retrieving her bicycle from the garage, Milly weaved

4413
05:14:09.720 --> 05:14:13.880
her way through her mom's crazy lawn decorations and passed

4414
05:14:13.919 --> 05:14:17.680
a pair of ghosts arguing over who had more candy.

4415
05:14:18.360 --> 05:14:21.200
She'd felt a bit self conscious about going out in

4416
05:14:21.240 --> 05:14:25.479
her uniform, but it was Halloween night. Everybody was dressed

4417
05:14:25.520 --> 05:14:28.919
up as something. Milly just happened to look like a

4418
05:14:29.479 --> 05:14:33.560
bargain grocery's clerk. Once Milly was on the road, she

4419
05:14:33.680 --> 05:14:38.759
peddled faster and faster, scared she might be late. Shit,

4420
05:14:39.279 --> 05:14:41.560
she came to a stop. A gaggle of trick or

4421
05:14:41.599 --> 05:14:45.720
treaters and their chaperone were crossing the intersection. Damn it,

4422
05:14:46.119 --> 05:14:50.439
Milly swore under her breath, Come on, come, on. A

4423
05:14:50.599 --> 05:14:54.759
car roared up alongside her, its engine drowning out her music.

4424
05:14:55.560 --> 05:14:59.200
The red Firebird sat waiting for the procession of kids

4425
05:14:59.200 --> 05:15:03.119
to cross. Heavy metal, cranked to the STEREO's highest volume

4426
05:15:03.200 --> 05:15:07.279
level blared over the thunder of the engine. Milly knew

4427
05:15:07.319 --> 05:15:11.479
the car. She'd seen it several times at school. Milly

4428
05:15:11.560 --> 05:15:16.479
felt the two men inside watching her. Hey, Troy, look

4429
05:15:16.560 --> 05:15:20.279
at this. It's a workin girl. Get off the bike, darlin,

4430
05:15:20.400 --> 05:15:24.240
I got something you can ride, and it's a stick shift.

4431
05:15:24.720 --> 05:15:28.880
Milly gulped. Come on, kids, come on, She tensed up.

4432
05:15:29.479 --> 05:15:33.319
After the kids had all crossed, the car mercifully roared away.

4433
05:15:34.240 --> 05:15:39.479
Milly exhaled and pedaled on. She skidded to a stop

4434
05:15:39.520 --> 05:15:43.360
by the bike rack outside of Bargain Groceries. The parking

4435
05:15:43.400 --> 05:15:47.479
lot was fairly dead, only some last minute shoppers left.

4436
05:15:48.080 --> 05:15:51.680
Milly quickly chained her bike up. The sudden sound of

4437
05:15:51.720 --> 05:15:54.520
heavy metal music made her heart skip a beat. A

4438
05:15:54.560 --> 05:15:59.919
familiar red Firebird slowly drove past the store. She watched

4439
05:16:00.080 --> 05:16:04.200
as it passed, turning off onto a side street. There

4440
05:16:04.279 --> 05:16:06.880
wasn't much time to worry about if they were looking

4441
05:16:06.919 --> 05:16:09.799
for her or not, as Milly was pretty sure she

4442
05:16:10.000 --> 05:16:18.400
was late for her first night on the job. The

4443
05:16:18.479 --> 05:16:24.400
automatic doors swished open. Hey, a young woman called over.

4444
05:16:24.479 --> 05:16:29.919
Hero see oc was Milly's nickname from way back, given

4445
05:16:29.959 --> 05:16:33.040
to her by her best friend at the time, Samantha Vale.

4446
05:16:33.840 --> 05:16:36.759
A cute redhead, waved her over to the breakroom entrance.

4447
05:16:37.279 --> 05:16:40.439
She was wearing a uniform like Millie's, but she had

4448
05:16:40.479 --> 05:16:44.279
an eyepatch and a fake mustache on for Halloween. Quick

4449
05:16:44.520 --> 05:16:47.240
punch in, you got a minute to go, The girl

4450
05:16:47.279 --> 05:16:50.520
held open the breakroom door. Just inside the door of

4451
05:16:50.560 --> 05:16:53.680
the breakroom was a time clock. Milly pulled out her

4452
05:16:53.680 --> 05:16:57.759
punch card and pulled the machine's lever just in time.

4453
05:16:58.720 --> 05:17:02.759
Thanks Sam, Millie said Sam had always been a good friend.

4454
05:17:03.080 --> 05:17:06.400
Though high school social status had caused them to drift,

4455
05:17:06.799 --> 05:17:11.319
they had finally reconnected and their friendship was stronger than ever.

4456
05:17:11.959 --> 05:17:14.200
Stow your bag and jacket in the locker. I'll take

4457
05:17:14.200 --> 05:17:17.639
you to meet John. He's out back. Sam pointed to

4458
05:17:17.680 --> 05:17:21.959
Milly's walkman. Better stow that too. John's not into having

4459
05:17:21.959 --> 05:17:24.639
that shit on the job. He's not too bad, he

4460
05:17:25.319 --> 05:17:28.639
just has his own way of doing stuff. Hi, the

4461
05:17:28.720 --> 05:17:32.119
cashier said as they walked past. Milly noted he was

4462
05:17:32.159 --> 05:17:37.639
wearing pointy fangs a vast me heartee. Sam laughed, This

4463
05:17:37.799 --> 05:17:42.520
is Brian, Hey, Milly, you working here now? She felt

4464
05:17:42.560 --> 05:17:46.520
a rush of embarrassment. Brian knew her, but she didn't

4465
05:17:46.560 --> 05:17:51.159
recognize him at all. Yeah, I sure do, she struggled.

4466
05:17:51.880 --> 05:17:55.799
He looked a little disappointed. I shot behind you in English,

4467
05:17:56.279 --> 05:18:01.360
mister Kendrick's class. Oh sorry, right eight. She still didn't

4468
05:18:01.360 --> 05:18:05.840
recognize him. Good to see you, she lied thankfully. Sam

4469
05:18:05.919 --> 05:18:09.319
led her away. John's a cool boss, can be a

4470
05:18:09.360 --> 05:18:13.279
little intense sometimes, because he was a nam. Millie followed

4471
05:18:13.279 --> 05:18:16.599
Sam to the back of the store through large double doors.

4472
05:18:17.040 --> 05:18:22.279
A sign read employees only. The back area was stuffed

4473
05:18:22.279 --> 05:18:26.279
with racks and pallets filled with various products. Piled high

4474
05:18:27.040 --> 05:18:29.919
in a cramped little corner in the back was a desk.

4475
05:18:30.560 --> 05:18:34.240
A middle aged man sat talking on the phone. He

4476
05:18:34.400 --> 05:18:37.080
had the usual store uniform on, as well as a

4477
05:18:37.119 --> 05:18:40.639
thick pair of glasses. His dark brown hair was cut

4478
05:18:40.680 --> 05:18:45.240
in a neat crew cut that matched his neatly trimmed mustache.

4479
05:18:45.439 --> 05:18:48.840
All right, I understand, he wrote something on a pad,

4480
05:18:49.360 --> 05:18:54.319
special shipment. Got it, We'll be ready, he hung up. Hi, John,

4481
05:18:54.400 --> 05:18:58.799
I'm not disturbing anything, am I, Sam asked, No jokers

4482
05:18:58.840 --> 05:19:01.200
from corporate are sending us special shipment for me to

4483
05:19:01.279 --> 05:19:04.840
unload tonight. He took out a metal lighter and cigarette.

4484
05:19:05.240 --> 05:19:09.520
Lighting up. He turned to Milly new girl. Milly nodded.

4485
05:19:10.119 --> 05:19:14.000
Behind him was a sign that read no smoking. Next

4486
05:19:14.080 --> 05:19:17.040
to that sign was a picture of John snuggling with

4487
05:19:17.080 --> 05:19:21.680
a tiger cub wearing a camouflage cap. Both things summed

4488
05:19:21.720 --> 05:19:28.680
up John perfectly. You come very highly recommended. Well, Sam blushed.

4489
05:19:29.200 --> 05:19:32.400
I'd better get back out there. She left, leaving Milly

4490
05:19:32.520 --> 05:19:36.159
with John. So I'll lay out some ground rules around

4491
05:19:36.159 --> 05:19:38.720
here and what you should expect to be doing workwise.

4492
05:19:39.400 --> 05:19:41.720
He opened the desk drawer, taking out a clip on

4493
05:19:41.840 --> 05:19:46.200
holster with a box cutter. You'll need this, He handed

4494
05:19:46.240 --> 05:19:48.959
it to her, taking a puff of his cigarette. Clip

4495
05:19:49.000 --> 05:19:51.959
it onto your belt or pocket. He looked at her shirt.

4496
05:19:52.680 --> 05:19:55.560
Did they give you an ID badge? She reached into

4497
05:19:55.599 --> 05:19:58.720
her pocket, trying to fish it out. He stood, crushing

4498
05:19:58.759 --> 05:20:02.000
his cigarette under his heel. Skip it. Come on, I'll

4499
05:20:02.000 --> 05:20:07.680
give you the cheap tor. I have a little test

4500
05:20:07.720 --> 05:20:11.000
for you. She followed him to an aisle of paper products,

4501
05:20:11.479 --> 05:20:15.479
paper towels, boxes of facial tissue, and toilet paper. He

4502
05:20:15.639 --> 05:20:18.639
arranged some rolls of toilet paper neatly on the shelf.

4503
05:20:19.400 --> 05:20:23.119
We call this facing or blocking. It basically creates the

4504
05:20:23.159 --> 05:20:26.720
appearance that the shelves are perfectly stocked. You do this

4505
05:20:26.799 --> 05:20:29.119
by pulling a couple of products on the shelf to

4506
05:20:29.159 --> 05:20:32.560
the front. We also pulled down anything that's double stacked.

4507
05:20:33.080 --> 05:20:36.520
He demonstrated for Millie a couple more times. Among some

4508
05:20:36.639 --> 05:20:39.360
rolls of paper towels, he found a jar of peanut butter,

4509
05:20:39.840 --> 05:20:43.720
causing him to grumble under his breath. See this, we

4510
05:20:43.840 --> 05:20:49.520
call these returns or re shops. People are They're lazy bastards.

4511
05:20:49.720 --> 05:20:51.759
They like to leave stuff they don't want all over

4512
05:20:51.799 --> 05:20:55.080
the store. Some do it just to be dicks. He

4513
05:20:55.159 --> 05:20:58.639
shook his head. You find something like this, return it

4514
05:20:58.639 --> 05:21:02.040
to its proper place later, unless it's something like meat, dairy,

4515
05:21:02.159 --> 05:21:05.040
or frozen. Those are top priority and need to go

4516
05:21:05.119 --> 05:21:09.360
back asap. Milly nodded, trying to process all of the

4517
05:21:09.360 --> 05:21:12.279
new information. I have a few things to take care of.

4518
05:21:12.360 --> 05:21:14.040
I want you to get a feel for doing it.

4519
05:21:14.319 --> 05:21:16.439
Take your time, do as much as you can. I'll

4520
05:21:16.479 --> 05:21:19.040
be back to tell you how much you screwed it up.

4521
05:21:19.439 --> 05:21:23.520
Milly looked at him unsure. John laughed, do your best.

4522
05:21:23.520 --> 05:21:26.880
I'll be back in a bit. He left, leaving Milly

4523
05:21:26.959 --> 05:21:30.479
alone in the aisle. She wandered up and down before

4524
05:21:30.479 --> 05:21:33.040
deciding to start on one end and work her way down.

4525
05:21:33.599 --> 05:21:36.279
After a few minutes of work, Milly was starting to

4526
05:21:36.319 --> 05:21:41.279
relax some. This was kind of like Tetris, neatly arranging

4527
05:21:41.319 --> 05:21:45.880
the brightly colored boxes together. This brand here, that brand there.

4528
05:21:46.680 --> 05:21:50.919
She stepped back to admire her work. Hey, she heard

4529
05:21:51.000 --> 05:21:54.200
Sam call out from the front of the store. Peeking

4530
05:21:54.240 --> 05:21:58.000
around a display of paper towels, Milly saw Sam confronting

4531
05:21:58.040 --> 05:22:03.319
two girls. Milly wrecked, ignize them the McNab sisters. They'd

4532
05:22:03.360 --> 05:22:07.520
hung in the preppy crowd. I saw you, Sam said,

4533
05:22:07.919 --> 05:22:10.159
you put a couple beers in your person tried to

4534
05:22:10.200 --> 05:22:15.439
walk out. Oh please, Terry McNabb scoffed. Do you know

4535
05:22:15.520 --> 05:22:21.200
who our father is? Yes? Skids. Terry McNabb added, She

4536
05:22:21.360 --> 05:22:25.279
felt bad for Sam. Skids that's what they call anybody

4537
05:22:25.279 --> 05:22:29.159
from the poorer section of town. Why would we steal?

4538
05:22:29.520 --> 05:22:33.919
Terry pointed out, our father could own you, yes, skids.

4539
05:22:34.200 --> 05:22:37.680
Daddy could bulldoze your little trailer park hovel in a heartbeat.

4540
05:22:38.520 --> 05:22:42.080
Milly knew Sam was holding back. If she didn't need

4541
05:22:42.119 --> 05:22:44.840
the job so much, she would have given both sisters

4542
05:22:44.880 --> 05:22:50.080
a good ass kicking. Pretty good kid, John said, Milly jumped.

4543
05:22:50.599 --> 05:22:52.560
She'd been so wrapped up in her thoughts as she

4544
05:22:52.639 --> 05:22:56.400
worked she hadn't noticed him standing there. Although you've been

4545
05:22:56.400 --> 05:22:59.799
adjusting that one roll of paper towels for a good minute,

4546
05:22:59.840 --> 05:23:03.080
Ori t you're gonna make love to it. Milly set

4547
05:23:03.080 --> 05:23:06.479
the roll down. Embarrassed. John checked his watch, letting out

4548
05:23:06.479 --> 05:23:10.040
a whistle. Almost that time. Gotta close up the store.

4549
05:23:10.599 --> 05:23:13.560
Carry on with what you're doing, Just don't fondle any

4550
05:23:13.599 --> 05:23:17.520
more paper towels. He left her alone again. After a

4551
05:23:17.560 --> 05:23:20.759
few minutes, John came on the intercom. The store will

4552
05:23:20.799 --> 05:23:24.680
be closing in five minutes. Please make your final purchases.

4553
05:23:25.040 --> 05:23:28.159
Thank you for choosing bargain groceries, and have a good night.

4554
05:23:29.040 --> 05:23:31.599
A few minutes later, the lights dimmed just a little.

4555
05:23:32.279 --> 05:23:36.959
Milly continued working without the din of shoppers. She could

4556
05:23:36.959 --> 05:23:41.319
hear the store's musac trigger treat oh c. Sam stood

4557
05:23:41.319 --> 05:23:43.200
at the end of the aisle holding a couple of

4558
05:23:43.240 --> 05:23:47.240
candy bars. Brian stood next to her. Sam handed Milly

4559
05:23:47.279 --> 05:23:51.520
a chocolate bar. Brian looked at Milly, confused, Oh c

4560
05:23:52.680 --> 05:23:57.279
a nickname, Milly answered, ask Sam. Brian turned to Sam.

4561
05:23:57.799 --> 05:24:01.119
Maybe I'll tell you the story sometime. Sam snapped her

4562
05:24:01.159 --> 05:24:04.159
bar in two if you can guess what it stands for.

4563
05:24:04.959 --> 05:24:08.959
Milly crinkled the candy bar wrapper, sticking it into her pocket.

4564
05:24:09.599 --> 05:24:13.520
What are you guys still doing here? We got volunteered

4565
05:24:13.599 --> 05:24:17.720
with that special shipment coming in, Sam explained. There was

4566
05:24:17.759 --> 05:24:21.319
an audible click as the intercom came to life. A

4567
05:24:21.439 --> 05:24:25.840
robotic female voice sounded, front end, front end has a

4568
05:24:25.880 --> 05:24:29.040
call on line five, ten to one. The truck just

4569
05:24:29.080 --> 05:24:32.880
got here, Sam said. The intercom crackled to life again.

4570
05:24:33.360 --> 05:24:37.119
This time, the automated voice was replaced by John's Sam

4571
05:24:37.159 --> 05:24:40.200
to the backroom. I repeat, Sam to the back room.

4572
05:24:40.720 --> 05:24:45.680
Sam started down the aisle duty calls. So what now,

4573
05:24:45.919 --> 05:24:50.759
Milly asked. Brian adjusted his plastic fangs. I guess we'll

4574
05:24:51.360 --> 05:24:54.959
just finish this aisle and then do the next sounds

4575
05:24:54.959 --> 05:24:59.880
like a plan ocean cruise, Billy asked, off hand. Excuse me,

4576
05:25:00.520 --> 05:25:05.279
oh see, just taking a guess. Milly laughed, Sorry, no,

4577
05:25:06.080 --> 05:25:11.560
uh obsessive compulsive, Ah no, damn, I'll get it sooner

4578
05:25:11.680 --> 05:25:15.119
or later, after a few moments, they finished up and

4579
05:25:15.200 --> 05:25:17.159
moved to Aisle two, which had a view of the

4580
05:25:17.200 --> 05:25:21.919
parking lot. Milly stopped. The sight of something sitting in

4581
05:25:21.959 --> 05:25:25.599
the parking lot gave her a chill. No, no, no.

4582
05:25:26.919 --> 05:25:30.919
She walked towards the front of the store. Hey, what's up?

4583
05:25:31.240 --> 05:25:36.880
Brian asked that. Milly pointed nervously out the large front window.

4584
05:25:37.680 --> 05:25:42.040
The firebirds sat there under a light pole. Milly shuddered,

4585
05:25:43.080 --> 05:25:46.639
What about that car. The assholes in the car harassed

4586
05:25:46.680 --> 05:25:51.040
me on the way here. Brian sighed, damn it. He

4587
05:25:51.119 --> 05:25:55.279
shook his head. Those two are always making trouble, you

4588
05:25:55.360 --> 05:25:59.040
know them. Stay here, I'll go talk to Milly watched,

4589
05:25:59.159 --> 05:26:04.520
feeling helples as Brian left. She watched Brian walk across

4590
05:26:04.560 --> 05:26:08.479
the parking lot. She needed to get John. Running over

4591
05:26:08.520 --> 05:26:12.080
to the intercom, Milly fumbled with the buttons. Her first

4592
05:26:12.119 --> 05:26:16.400
attempt was greeted by ear splitting feedback. Her second and

4593
05:26:16.479 --> 05:26:20.040
third attempts were no better. On the fourth try, her

4594
05:26:20.080 --> 05:26:26.159
nervous voice boomed throughout the store. Hello, Hello, John to

4595
05:26:26.200 --> 05:26:29.959
the front. Repeat John to the front, Hurry. The sound

4596
05:26:29.959 --> 05:26:33.119
of her struggling to hang up the intercom receiver boomed

4597
05:26:33.200 --> 05:26:38.799
throughout the store. She waited, expecting John to come rushing. Instead,

4598
05:26:39.840 --> 05:26:43.560
nothing happened. Milly ran back to the front window and

4599
05:26:43.639 --> 05:26:47.680
peered out. Brian stood by the firebird talking to the driver,

4600
05:26:48.880 --> 05:26:53.279
not exactly the tense confrontation she'd expected. Movement in the

4601
05:26:53.319 --> 05:26:57.919
reflection of the glass made her turn in surprise John

4602
05:26:59.360 --> 05:27:02.720
there was no Something hit the floor in one of

4603
05:27:02.720 --> 05:27:09.000
the aisles, Guys, She walked by a display of Halloween candy.

4604
05:27:09.439 --> 05:27:13.439
A plastic candy filled skull grinned at her. Maybe this

4605
05:27:13.720 --> 05:27:18.119
was a Halloween prank, hazing the new girl. Milly turned

4606
05:27:18.159 --> 05:27:21.360
back to check on how Brian was doing, only to

4607
05:27:21.400 --> 05:27:26.159
see the firebird driving slowly towards the store, Brian nowhere

4608
05:27:26.200 --> 05:27:29.200
in sight. She watched as the car drove by the

4609
05:27:29.279 --> 05:27:32.319
front of the store. The interior was too dark to

4610
05:27:32.360 --> 05:27:36.319
make out its occupants. Milly felt her heart beat faster

4611
05:27:36.799 --> 05:27:39.880
and faster in her chest. She'd have to go out

4612
05:27:39.919 --> 05:27:44.880
there and look. Brian could be lying hurt out of sight. Somewhere.

4613
05:27:45.520 --> 05:27:47.799
There was a first aid kit on the wall next

4614
05:27:47.840 --> 05:27:52.200
to the intercom. She grabbed it before heading out. Pushing

4615
05:27:52.200 --> 05:27:55.759
the door open, Milly stepped outside into what felt like

4616
05:27:55.840 --> 05:28:01.840
a dangerous alien Land Brian, she called out, her voice

4617
05:28:01.840 --> 05:28:05.959
cracking and low. Milly wanted to grab her bike, get

4618
05:28:06.000 --> 05:28:09.840
home and hide under the covers. She needed to get John.

4619
05:28:10.360 --> 05:28:13.799
He'd know what to do. Milly hurried back inside and

4620
05:28:13.880 --> 05:28:17.279
locked the door. Sliding on the high polished floor, she

4621
05:28:17.400 --> 05:28:20.159
hurried to the back of the store, nearly toppling a

4622
05:28:20.200 --> 05:28:24.639
display of Halloween themed cereal. Barreling through the double doors

4623
05:28:24.639 --> 05:28:27.799
into the back, Milly stopped for a second to catch

4624
05:28:27.799 --> 05:28:35.000
her breath. John, She called between gasps Sam silence except

4625
05:28:35.040 --> 05:28:39.360
for the low, constant rumble of the overhead heater. The

4626
05:28:39.439 --> 05:28:44.479
loading dock was empty. The overhead door was open, letting

4627
05:28:44.520 --> 05:28:47.520
in the cool autumn air, where it poured in around

4628
05:28:47.560 --> 05:28:52.639
the semi trucks backed up to the dock guys. Milly

4629
05:28:52.759 --> 05:28:57.959
started to panic. She was completely alone. Her eyes scanned

4630
05:28:58.000 --> 05:29:03.919
the dark, cavernous room. The shadows hid countless possible terrors,

4631
05:29:04.520 --> 05:29:08.959
but alas so too did the floor. As she slipped

4632
05:29:08.959 --> 05:29:12.639
in a puddle on its surface, landing hard on her

4633
05:29:12.720 --> 05:29:17.639
knees and hands, Milly yelped in pain. There was something

4634
05:29:17.720 --> 05:29:21.479
wet and sticky on her sore hands. Raising them up,

4635
05:29:22.560 --> 05:29:28.479
she screamed they were coated in a crimson blood. There

4636
05:29:28.560 --> 05:29:31.119
was a trail leading out to the semi truck, and

4637
05:29:31.159 --> 05:29:34.439
there seemed to be something hanging in the truck's trailer.

4638
05:29:35.439 --> 05:29:40.080
With pained steps, she cautiously approached that trailer, her eyes

4639
05:29:40.159 --> 05:29:44.840
adjusted to the near dark of its interior. Hanging from

4640
05:29:45.000 --> 05:29:49.240
chains by his ankles at the trailer's center was John.

4641
05:29:49.919 --> 05:29:57.279
His forehead had a bloody gash. Oh god, Milly stammered John.

4642
05:29:57.919 --> 05:30:02.680
She reached out, stopping short of touching him. John, who

4643
05:30:02.680 --> 05:30:06.560
did this? She ventured a little further into the trailer.

4644
05:30:07.279 --> 05:30:11.520
There was no sign of Sam turning around. Milly used

4645
05:30:11.520 --> 05:30:14.880
the wall to guide her out. Her eyes scanned the

4646
05:30:14.919 --> 05:30:19.279
loading dock. They could be lurking anywhere. She had to

4647
05:30:19.319 --> 05:30:23.400
get help. On John's cluttered desk, she noticed a phone

4648
05:30:23.439 --> 05:30:27.919
earlier limping over. Milly snatched up the receiver and quickly dialed,

4649
05:30:27.959 --> 05:30:32.119
with bloody hands, We're sorry, your call cannot be completed

4650
05:30:32.159 --> 05:30:36.200
at this time, A robotic voice informed her, shit shit.

4651
05:30:36.799 --> 05:30:39.720
Milly slammed down the receiver. She was growing just as

4652
05:30:39.720 --> 05:30:43.599
frustrated as she was scared. John's metal lighter lay on

4653
05:30:43.680 --> 05:30:48.759
a stack of papers, Fuck communism engraved its front. She

4654
05:30:48.880 --> 05:30:52.439
snatched it up and exited. Limping along, she leaned on

4655
05:30:52.520 --> 05:30:56.520
a concrete wall. The block under her hand glowed lightly,

4656
05:30:57.240 --> 05:31:01.040
pulling her hand away. A strange symbol pulsate through the concrete.

4657
05:31:02.279 --> 05:31:06.360
What the shit is that? The bloody handprint she'd left

4658
05:31:06.959 --> 05:31:11.000
was absorbed into the block. Hurrying towards the double doors,

4659
05:31:11.040 --> 05:31:16.000
Milly stopped. Someone walked past an aisle, a large someone

4660
05:31:17.000 --> 05:31:21.560
or some thing. Milly ducked down. She needed to get

4661
05:31:21.560 --> 05:31:23.680
a better view of what was going on out there.

4662
05:31:24.479 --> 05:31:27.200
Not far from her was a sliding, white metal door.

4663
05:31:28.240 --> 05:31:31.759
She slowly unhooked the latch and pushed the door open

4664
05:31:32.240 --> 05:31:35.919
and slipped into the dairy cooler. She spied into the

4665
05:31:35.919 --> 05:31:39.720
store between gallon jugs of milk. Her eyes caught another

4666
05:31:39.799 --> 05:31:46.439
flash of movement. There definitely was somebody here. The intercom

4667
05:31:46.560 --> 05:31:51.520
loudly crackled to life, come out, come out, little goblin.

4668
05:31:52.159 --> 05:31:57.439
A voice hissed, trick or treat. An involuntary shudder of

4669
05:31:57.479 --> 05:32:01.680
fear ran through her body. They were looking for her.

4670
05:32:03.080 --> 05:32:05.680
Sneaking out of the cooler, Milly made up her mind.

4671
05:32:06.279 --> 05:32:09.720
She couldn't leave Sam and Brian. Milly had to fight

4672
05:32:09.799 --> 05:32:14.919
them somehow. There was another set of double doors further down.

4673
05:32:15.520 --> 05:32:19.240
She used them to slip into the store, hiding behind

4674
05:32:19.279 --> 05:32:22.560
a tank of lobsters. Milly looked up at the signs

4675
05:32:22.560 --> 05:32:27.000
for each aisle she was directly across from Aisle two,

4676
05:32:27.159 --> 05:32:32.479
Housewares and Cleaning. Perfect u sh it.

4677
05:32:32.560 --> 05:32:36.759
Was only the wind. You're safe, weekly spooky. We'll be

4678
05:32:36.919 --> 05:32:37.840
right back.

4679
05:32:40.040 --> 05:32:43.599
Calling all assholes, I'm right here, Milly called from the

4680
05:32:43.639 --> 05:32:47.439
intercom as she stood a broom handle ready, rags tied

4681
05:32:47.479 --> 05:32:50.319
to one end. It wasn't very long before a man

4682
05:32:50.799 --> 05:32:54.000
dressed in a black leather jacket emerged from Aisle six.

4683
05:32:54.639 --> 05:32:59.360
A cheap halloween mask hid his identity. Well, look ye here,

4684
05:32:59.520 --> 05:33:05.119
little guy, goblin girl. He strode confidently towards Milly, stopping.

4685
05:33:05.639 --> 05:33:08.599
He looked down as his boot clad foot made a

4686
05:33:08.639 --> 05:33:12.159
squishing noise. There was a puddle of floor wax in

4687
05:33:12.159 --> 05:33:17.360
front of him. Sneaky trying to make me slip. Milly

4688
05:33:17.439 --> 05:33:20.159
took out John's lighter and held it to the rags

4689
05:33:20.159 --> 05:33:23.799
on the mop handle. Where are my friends? She lit

4690
05:33:23.840 --> 05:33:27.360
the end of the mop with us, just like you'll

4691
05:33:27.360 --> 05:33:31.680
be wrong answer. She lit the puddle of floor wax.

4692
05:33:31.959 --> 05:33:35.360
It exploded in a burst of flame, surprising Milly. As

4693
05:33:35.400 --> 05:33:39.080
much as it did the man fuck. He recoiled the

4694
05:33:39.119 --> 05:33:43.240
tip of his foot on fire. Another similarly dressed man

4695
05:33:43.439 --> 05:33:46.040
rushed down one of the checkout lanes at her. As

4696
05:33:46.040 --> 05:33:49.520
she ran for the door, Milly hurled the flaming mop

4697
05:33:49.520 --> 05:33:52.799
handle at him like a spear. Inches from the door,

4698
05:33:53.279 --> 05:33:59.279
Milly stopped dead in her tracks. Outside, robed figures stood

4699
05:33:59.319 --> 05:34:04.200
sighed by their faces hidden by hoods. One of the

4700
05:34:04.240 --> 05:34:08.400
masked men grabbed her. He wrapped his arms tightly around Milly.

4701
05:34:08.720 --> 05:34:12.360
She thrashed and kicked to no avail. The man with

4702
05:34:12.439 --> 05:34:15.840
the burnt boot walked up to them. Lights out, little

4703
05:34:15.880 --> 05:34:19.840
goblin bitch. He pulled a black hood down over Milly's head,

4704
05:34:20.560 --> 05:34:26.599
enveloping her in darkness. Milly felt herself being dragged along.

4705
05:34:27.319 --> 05:34:31.599
She struggled, but it was no use. After a few minutes,

4706
05:34:31.639 --> 05:34:35.959
they roughly forced Milly to her knees. This Halloween wasn't

4707
05:34:36.000 --> 05:34:39.799
doing her legs any favors. Someone yanked the hood from

4708
05:34:39.840 --> 05:34:43.400
her head. As her eyes adjusted, Milly found she was

4709
05:34:43.479 --> 05:34:48.279
flanked by Sam and Brian. Next to Brian were the

4710
05:34:48.360 --> 05:34:53.720
men from the Firebird. The concrete floor was bitterly cold.

4711
05:34:54.319 --> 05:34:57.560
They appeared to be in the Stor's large freezer. A

4712
05:34:57.599 --> 05:35:02.880
black sheet covered a mysterious shape underneath. Across the freezer

4713
05:35:02.919 --> 05:35:07.520
stood seven robed figures. Behind Milly and the others. The

4714
05:35:07.560 --> 05:35:12.200
two masked men stood, this is bullshit, one of the

4715
05:35:12.200 --> 05:35:16.919
firebird men barked, earning him a smack quiet pup. The

4716
05:35:17.000 --> 05:35:22.040
mask man hissed. The center figure stepped forward. We've had

4717
05:35:22.080 --> 05:35:25.680
our little trick or treat tonight, and I do enjoy

4718
05:35:25.720 --> 05:35:30.759
a good treat, he laughed, lowering his hood. The older

4719
05:35:30.840 --> 05:35:36.319
man was vaguely familiar looking, Milly thought as he paced

4720
05:35:36.360 --> 05:35:40.599
back and forth. Tonight is a blessed night, he said,

4721
05:35:41.240 --> 05:35:43.919
and you lucky few are here among us to bear

4722
05:35:44.000 --> 05:35:48.919
witness and serve a glorious purpose. He reached down and

4723
05:35:49.040 --> 05:35:53.080
pulled the black sheet up in one motion. Underneath, lying

4724
05:35:53.119 --> 05:35:57.360
on the floor was a large, grayish body. It was

4725
05:35:57.439 --> 05:36:01.520
unlike anything Milly had ever seen before. It was similar

4726
05:36:01.560 --> 05:36:04.479
to one of those diagrams of a person without skin

4727
05:36:04.599 --> 05:36:07.959
that hung up in science class, except this thing was

4728
05:36:08.040 --> 05:36:12.520
way more muscular, and it had strange symbols cut into

4729
05:36:12.520 --> 05:36:16.560
its chest, head, and limbs. Each one had a strange

4730
05:36:16.599 --> 05:36:20.360
stone at its center. Milly noticed with a shiver that

4731
05:36:20.400 --> 05:36:23.680
its limbs and head weren't attached to the torso, but

4732
05:36:23.799 --> 05:36:27.159
were laying next to it in an approximation of a

4733
05:36:27.240 --> 05:36:33.520
human body. This is our lord, he smiled proudly. Cool Nucks,

4734
05:36:34.240 --> 05:36:40.439
the beast king a corpse. The driver of the firebird protested,

4735
05:36:40.840 --> 05:36:44.080
your fucking nuts. This earned him a punch to the

4736
05:36:44.159 --> 05:36:47.439
jaw from one of the masked men, bloodying his lip.

4737
05:36:48.159 --> 05:36:52.080
Leave him alone, his friend pleaded, He's an idiot. Shut up,

4738
05:36:52.080 --> 05:36:56.639
little bro, stay out of it, brother, Milly pondered. She

4739
05:36:56.799 --> 05:37:01.439
looked at them. There was a resemblance enough. The old

4740
05:37:01.479 --> 05:37:05.919
man ordered no more delays. Then it suddenly came to Milly.

4741
05:37:07.040 --> 05:37:12.520
This was Nathan Solomon, founder and CEO of Bargain Groceries.

4742
05:37:13.240 --> 05:37:16.880
His portrait hung in the back of the store. No shit,

4743
05:37:17.479 --> 05:37:21.400
she whispered to herself. As she made the connection. One

4744
05:37:21.439 --> 05:37:25.279
of the robed figures stepped forward, handing Solomon a large

4745
05:37:25.479 --> 05:37:30.799
ornate dagger. Cool Nucks. Betrayed by the Druids, enslain by

4746
05:37:30.840 --> 05:37:35.240
the warrior Aaron, his body was dismembered, bound by Druid magic,

4747
05:37:35.599 --> 05:37:40.959
and scattered, still living. I've found him, built an empire

4748
05:37:41.040 --> 05:37:44.439
for him, constructed this place of power to heal him.

4749
05:37:45.119 --> 05:37:49.639
He'll make this world right again. Solomon made a sweeping gesture.

4750
05:37:50.560 --> 05:37:53.400
Blood will run in the streets, and he'll feast on

4751
05:37:53.479 --> 05:37:58.479
his enemy's bones, the king of a new order. But first,

4752
05:37:58.520 --> 05:38:03.080
the blood of the Virgin must flow. Milly felt her

4753
05:38:03.119 --> 05:38:07.599
heart beat faster as Solomon raised up the dagger. Virgin.

4754
05:38:08.279 --> 05:38:12.919
Oh shit, bring forth the Virgin. He pointed at the

4755
05:38:13.000 --> 05:38:17.119
driver of the firebird. Me I ain't no Virgin. I

4756
05:38:17.200 --> 05:38:22.080
have a girlfriend in Canada. We've banged like a lot. Randy, No,

4757
05:38:23.000 --> 05:38:26.360
his brother cried out. Two of the robed figures dragged

4758
05:38:26.439 --> 05:38:30.599
Randy to where Solomon stood. Only blood will remove the

4759
05:38:30.720 --> 05:38:35.479
runes binding our king. Solomon brought the blade across Randy's

4760
05:38:35.560 --> 05:38:37.520
throat in one swift motion.

4761
05:38:38.240 --> 05:38:38.319
No.

4762
05:38:39.400 --> 05:38:42.720
Milly heard herself gasp as blood sprayed out of Randy's

4763
05:38:42.720 --> 05:38:47.360
sliced throat. Solomon held Randy's limp body up as the

4764
05:38:47.400 --> 05:38:51.279
blood flowed over the strange marks on the body before them.

4765
05:38:51.759 --> 05:38:55.759
One by one, the runes glowed. The severed limbs and

4766
05:38:55.840 --> 05:38:59.279
head began to mend themselves to the torso of the

4767
05:38:59.319 --> 05:39:06.000
strange body. Bring me another, Solomon ordered. Our king is thirsty.

4768
05:39:06.680 --> 05:39:10.119
One of the robed figures grabbed Brian, Leave him the

4769
05:39:10.159 --> 05:39:14.080
fuck alone. A battered John stood in the freezer door,

4770
05:39:14.279 --> 05:39:18.279
a metal chain wrapped around his fist. What catch you

4771
05:39:18.400 --> 05:39:21.919
coltest shitters? At a bad time? The night manager let

4772
05:39:21.959 --> 05:39:26.400
his fists fly as the robed figures advanced. Solomon struggled

4773
05:39:26.400 --> 05:39:29.959
with Brian. The King must have his blood. He slashed

4774
05:39:30.000 --> 05:39:32.919
madly at Brian, cutting open one of the young man's hands.

4775
05:39:33.319 --> 05:39:37.360
The blood splashed across the body of Kolnuks. The once

4776
05:39:37.479 --> 05:39:43.080
lifeless gray body shuddered to life. It then sucked air

4777
05:39:43.479 --> 05:39:48.520
into its ancient lungs. John decked one of the cult members, Sam,

4778
05:39:48.639 --> 05:39:52.439
Get everyone out of here. Sam and Millie grabbed Randy's brother,

4779
05:39:52.639 --> 05:39:55.000
and the three went for Brian, who was doing his

4780
05:39:55.080 --> 05:39:59.919
best to fend off Solomon's wild swings. No, Solomon pleaded,

4781
05:40:00.119 --> 05:40:03.720
I must finish. He's too weak. Milly set her jaw

4782
05:40:03.840 --> 05:40:06.799
and unleashed a powerful strike to the old man, sending

4783
05:40:06.880 --> 05:40:11.240
him flailing desperately before he hit the cold floor. The

4784
05:40:11.319 --> 05:40:14.720
others grabbed Brian and rushed to the freezer door. Milly

4785
05:40:14.799 --> 05:40:17.520
turned to see John trying to fend off the coltists.

4786
05:40:17.959 --> 05:40:21.319
At the same time, the monstrous form of coal Knook's

4787
05:40:21.639 --> 05:40:28.560
began to rise. John Sam shouted desperately, go, he ordered.

4788
05:40:29.400 --> 05:40:32.840
Randy's brother turned to Milly and Sam. I'll stay get

4789
05:40:32.840 --> 05:40:35.520
out of here for what it's worth. On Troy, and

4790
05:40:35.560 --> 05:40:39.639
I'm sorry we fucked with you earlier. Milly nodded stoically.

4791
05:40:40.200 --> 05:40:43.240
Milly and Sam dragged Brian out of the freezer. A

4792
05:40:43.319 --> 05:40:48.200
hideous roar sounded from inside, followed by the frantic screams

4793
05:40:48.959 --> 05:40:53.599
of the damned that things gotta be stopped. Milly took

4794
05:40:53.599 --> 05:40:57.720
a deep breath. Get help, What the hell are you

4795
05:40:57.840 --> 05:41:05.040
gonna do, Sam asked. Milly watched a reluctant Sam help

4796
05:41:05.119 --> 05:41:09.159
Brian through the double doors. She scanned the room. Then

4797
05:41:09.639 --> 05:41:14.200
she saw it, the forklift. Coal Knooks banged on the

4798
05:41:14.240 --> 05:41:16.880
freezer door as she made her way to the machine.

4799
05:41:17.560 --> 05:41:21.119
Milly climbed up into the cab and studied the controls.

4800
05:41:22.000 --> 05:41:26.119
Oh shit, she said, confused. There was a key hanging

4801
05:41:26.159 --> 05:41:30.040
on a hook like a car. Right. She turned the

4802
05:41:30.119 --> 05:41:35.119
key and the forklift rumbled to life. Okay, she could

4803
05:41:35.119 --> 05:41:38.159
do this. There was a loud crash as the freezer

4804
05:41:38.200 --> 05:41:42.279
door surrendered to Kole Knook's assault. Milly scrambled to figure

4805
05:41:42.319 --> 05:41:45.520
out the forklift controls. Most of the labels had long

4806
05:41:45.599 --> 05:41:49.599
since worn off. I can do this, she repeated to herself.

4807
05:41:50.119 --> 05:41:54.439
Milly caught a glance of the beast King advancing time

4808
05:41:54.520 --> 05:41:57.759
to die bastard. She pulled a lever and the forklift

4809
05:41:57.840 --> 05:42:02.759
jerked forward and stopped what Milly pulled another lever. She

4810
05:42:02.919 --> 05:42:06.560
managed to raise the forks up, but no forward momentum.

4811
05:42:07.279 --> 05:42:11.319
Milly yanked a second level. The forklift roared forward. The

4812
05:42:11.360 --> 05:42:15.040
beast King seemed slightly perplexed for a moment, but it

4813
05:42:15.119 --> 05:42:18.560
passed even faster. Milly tried ramming him with the forks,

4814
05:42:18.599 --> 05:42:21.000
but Nucks was quick and strong enough to grab them.

4815
05:42:21.279 --> 05:42:24.639
The creature pushed back against the mechanical strength of the machine,

4816
05:42:24.959 --> 05:42:29.360
causing the wheels to spin out. Milly swung the forklift around,

4817
05:42:29.560 --> 05:42:33.119
dragging Nucks, who still pushed back. Come on, you hunk

4818
05:42:33.159 --> 05:42:36.000
of crap. Milly pushed the machine as far as it

4819
05:42:36.000 --> 05:42:40.840
would go, slowly backing her beastial opponent. Call Nucks roared.

4820
05:42:41.439 --> 05:42:45.279
Milly found herself screaming back at the monster. The old

4821
05:42:45.360 --> 05:42:49.560
forklift lurched forward one final time, but not without struggle.

4822
05:42:50.040 --> 05:42:52.560
It was enough to knock the mighty beast King into

4823
05:42:52.560 --> 05:42:57.240
the waiting maw of the nearby garbage compactor. Milly sprang

4824
05:42:57.319 --> 05:43:00.479
from the lift and slammed down the metal gate, trapping

4825
05:43:00.599 --> 05:43:04.599
Nucks inside. The metal wouldn't hold long as the enraged

4826
05:43:04.639 --> 05:43:08.680
monster hammered it with his large fists. Milly slammed her

4827
05:43:08.720 --> 05:43:12.560
palm down on the large green button. The compactor squealed

4828
05:43:12.560 --> 05:43:16.279
to life. Coal. Nucks fought back, trying to stave off

4829
05:43:16.360 --> 05:43:20.279
the crushing grip, but in the end the strength of

4830
05:43:20.319 --> 05:43:24.759
the large machine was too great. Nucks's arms shattered under

4831
05:43:24.759 --> 05:43:29.400
the strain as he was crushed, letting out one last pitiful,

4832
05:43:29.919 --> 05:43:36.799
defiant roar. They found John and Troy dead in the

4833
05:43:36.799 --> 05:43:42.000
freezer along with the coltists. Milly took John's pack of cigarettes.

4834
05:43:42.959 --> 05:43:45.439
The sound of sobbing came from behind a stack of

4835
05:43:45.479 --> 05:43:50.880
egg cartons. Solomon, curled up in a ball, was devastated.

4836
05:43:52.240 --> 05:43:58.040
Our king, Our king, the king is dead, Milly informed him.

4837
05:43:58.759 --> 05:44:02.759
She lit one of John's cigarettes and exhaled. The doors

4838
05:44:02.799 --> 05:44:05.919
to the store unlocked as the rising sun filled the

4839
05:44:05.959 --> 05:44:10.040
building with hazy orange light. Two girls from the day

4840
05:44:10.080 --> 05:44:12.680
shift entered the store and caught a glimpse of the

4841
05:44:12.759 --> 05:44:17.319
mess that was Milly Oh my god, one stammered, are

4842
05:44:17.360 --> 05:44:22.599
you okay first night? Milly answered, the spent bud of

4843
05:44:22.599 --> 05:44:34.360
the cigarette dangling from her lips. Well, my spookies, I

4844
05:44:34.439 --> 05:44:37.080
guess you've made it to the end. And what a

4845
05:44:37.119 --> 05:44:41.560
brave soul you were to survive over five hours of

4846
05:44:41.959 --> 05:44:46.959
terrifying tales of Halloween. And it couldn't be a more

4847
05:44:47.000 --> 05:44:54.439
appropriate time. So congratulate yourself as you walk home tonight,

4848
05:44:54.479 --> 05:44:57.520
as you get on that dark road you've taken so

4849
05:44:57.599 --> 05:45:02.840
many times before, and be a aware that the scares

4850
05:45:04.080 --> 05:45:09.360
are just beginning, and come back tomorrow for even more

4851
05:45:10.000 --> 05:45:20.080
fear a weakly spooky, and maybe subscribe or don't. Nothing

4852
05:45:20.919 --> 05:45:22.080
can save you now.