Miranda’s knees were locked and there was a slight tremble in her legs. Despite the cool weather, she felt sweat break out onto her back the moment they stepped into the clearing. The cold snap had settled in a few days ago. Fall was coming. This time of year seemed to ignite a sense of adventure in the kids in her neighborhood. Herself included. How else could she explain standing at the edge of Evergreen Woods, or as th...

31st of October – Season 3 Darcy Stevens woke up with a start. She looked around, relieved to see that she was still in the comfort of her bed, safe and sound. It had only been a nightmare but one that could very well come true if she wasn’t careful. She looked across the room to check that her Crown was still there. She hadn’t lost it. And if she kept her head about herself, she wouldn’t. Stevie’s dream had been a strang...

In retrospect, it wasn't the wisest final sentence to yell at my boyfriend as I kicked him out of the flat: "If I ever see you or that…" I floundered for the right word, "hussy again, I'll kill you both." The front door slammed behind him, a whirlwind of disturbed particles danced in his wake, illuminated by the nearby desk lamp. They began to settle as his footsteps receded, my shaking hand pressed hard against the back...

Lydia placed a meagre collection of coins into the taxi driver’s outstretched hand. “I’m a bit short,” she said. “I’m terribly sorry.” He sighed but closed his hand around the money without counting it. “Thank you,” she said quietly and fumbled with the door handle, eager to escape before he changed his mind. Outside was freezing. The weather had taken a turn for the worse, a bitter wind whistling while icy rain lashed do...

They drove out after the Halloween drive-in movie. They didn't have dates. They just cruised by the lover's lane along the railroad tracks, slowly passing by a car or two to ogle and razz. Wilmer flashed the headlights of his convertible Mercury. Bored with that the boys stood beside his car looking down the railway line. The moon was in and out behind clouds. They discussed it. "It's so cool. Let's do it!" Jay glanced at...

25th of October –  Season 2 Belinda Baartjies woke up with a start. She'd just had a nightmare. For a second she didn't recognise where she was until she looked next to her in the bed and realized where she was and instantly rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to slap herself on the forehead. Upon realising how big a mistake last night was, Belinda slipped out of the bed, eager to avoid any further humiliation only to alm...

It was that time of year. Miss Emily had planned her annual Halloween party. The farm was the perfect place for a scary good time. The farmhouse and all the outbuildings were over two hundred years old. The farm had been in her family for generations. It was a pretty big place to have lots of fun. The place had stayed pretty much original other than a modern kitchen and indoor plumbing and updated lights and wiring. The c...

This shredder is actually a long- term friend and bandmate of mine named Bruce.  He doesn’t describe himself as a shredder but rather a good hack. I have used artistic license to call him a shredder instead because it is not so complimentary to call someone a hack. He has played in numerous alternative campus rock pop-punk bands. Once, at Christmas time, his band was asked to play a Christmas carol. They came on stage. Th...

Nimble digits completed the act. The victim was trundled up and preserved for what was to come. Wrapped up in the webs of woe. For the prey. Not for the spider. This was her life. Her reason to be.  Miss Peckinstaff gazed out her parlor window at the dim courtyard behind her brownstone residence on the Lower Eastside. It was delightful to watch the arachnid complete the chore under the arbor's wisteria vines. Then, she tu...

Full Moon Crisp fall night Leaves swirling Jack-O-Lantern Eerie grinning Owl hooting Black cat hissing Goblins and Ghosts Cowboys and Princesses Laughter and wonderment Kit Kats Baby Ruth's Peanut Butter cups Dragging bags of treats Door to door Children screaming Trick or Treat      

Spooky people come out to play.This is now your special day.Scare the other folks away.Spooky people play! Monster people come out to dance,Tonight will be your perfect chance.Caper, spin, stomp, and prance!Monster people dance! Witch-y people grab your broom,Soar up through the twilight gloom,Past the stars you're going to zoom,Witch-y people zoom! Halloween people this is your night,Grab some candy, cause some fright,Wi...

The night is cold. Who will be out tonight?The doorbell rings."Trick or treat!"Oops, he's out."C'mon back inside!"Don't scare the tyke. Give her some treats. She smiles, and the door closes.Grinning, I look at him. He looks at me."Okay, you get one, too."The doorbell rings."Trick or treat!" Another tyke. More treats. He looks up at me."Sure."The doorbell rings again and again. He looks up at me each time.Okay, okay. A new...

It's Halloween time Your demon comes to play He wants to take over He makes you his prey Rabies loves to scare you No matter when or where He will get you in the dark He does so with so much flare Each night he wants more The demons take controlYou better watch it, my friend In your head is the goal Rabies started as a jokeNow he's much much moreHe wants to make you cry Watching you makes him soreIs he a man or a dog Is h...

Halloween isn't widely celebrated in New Zealand. It's more of an American thing, but I have noticed that now it is slowly starting to catch on over here. The local Plaza now stock Halloween costumes, and not just for children, as I have seen in previous years, adult costumes are now on sale. Anything from the classic sexy French maid and sexy nurse, witches, wizards and Disney Princesses and other characters to the very...

What is better then free candy Is what they all will say It’s absolutely dandy Patiently waiting for the day They will come to your door And say Trick or Treat They will receive candy galore And will enjoy all their sweets Ghosts and goblins on the street Devils with their pitch forks Pillow sacks filled with treats Kids dressed as nerds or dorks Perhaps A pretty witch on a broom Or a beautiful angel with wings A beautifu...