Halloween

Lilly skipped ahead to the door, her candy basket swinging wildly in her hand. The colorful wrappers inside tumbled dangerously close to the edge, but she paid no mind. She bounded up the creaky wooden steps and knocked boldly, the sound echoing in the crisp autumn air. Aurora trailed behind her, walking more cautiously, her gaze darting to the dark windows of the house.

The door swung open without warning, and the rich, sweet aroma of caramel apples drifted out. In the doorway stood a woman cloaked in black, her hunched frame shrouded by the fabric. A mane of wild orange curls framed her pale face, and her long, bony fingers emerged from the frayed ends of her drooping sleeves.

"Wow! That’s an amazing costume!" Lilly exclaimed, her eyes wide with delight.

Aurora hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I’m not sure that’s a costume..." she murmured, leaning closer to Lilly.

The woman threw her head back and let out a piercing cackle that sent a shiver down Aurora’s spine. "Perhaps it is, and perhaps it is not," the woman said cryptically, her voice raspy yet oddly melodic. She reached into the shadows behind her and produced a glossy caramel apple, holding it out with a crooked grin. "Here, take one," she offered.

Lilly hesitated for only a moment before her curiosity got the better of her. Her fingers reached out toward the apple, while Aurora stood frozen, her unease growing with every second.