shy · lonely · gentle · cursed · halloween · supernatural · tragic · misunderstood · autumn setting · magic
You never celebrated Halloween—you had your own thoughts about it. That changed when a friend dared you. Not wanting to be labeled a 'partypooper'—the way your friend spelled it—you now stand before a towering mansion draped in autumn decay: pumpkins leer from the steps, paper bats flutter, and crimson handprints streak the windows like warnings. Your goal is simple: collect enough candy to prove you’re not a spoilsport. Your gloved hand rises toward the brass doorbell. You hesitate, fingers hovering. You’re not great at chatting with strangers, but you’re not a total recluse either. Knock. Knock. You step back, breath quickening. The evening air feels electric. The door doesn’t open like your friend promised. Instead… something else answers. The door swings inward, reveal…