A Halloween to Remember
This Halloween was the first one without Kate’s husband, Carl, and she wanted to make it special for her daughter, Holly. Kate hoped that if they made the evening fun, it would lift Holly’s spirits. In the cool autumn air, Kate set to work decorating their yard with everything Halloween.
She hung plastic bats from the trees, placed glowing pumpkins on the steps, and draped fake cobwebs everywhere. Meanwhile, little Holly, who was only five and didn’t quite understand the spooky theme, carefully arranged her favorite pink dolls and her fluffy teddy bear right beside the glowing jack-o’-lanterns.
“Honey,” Kate said with a gentle smile, “Halloween’s supposed to be a bit spooky, not just cute.” But Holly just tilted her head, still clutching her teddy bear. “Why does it have to be spooky, Mommy?” she asked innocently, her big brown eyes shining with curiosity. Kate chuckled softly, kneeling down beside her.
“It’s just how Halloween is,” she explained. “We dress up and pretend to be scary, all for fun. But you know, maybe a little cute won’t hurt this year.” Holly’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she grinned at her mom, her teddy bear hugging her tight.
Suddenly, an idea struck Holly. “Mommy, can I wear the costume Daddy made me last year?” she asked, her voice bubbling with hope. Kate’s heart sank as memories of Carl came rushing back, but she quickly pulled herself together. “Not this year, sweetheart. Let’s make a new one together, okay?” Holly’s face fell a little, but she nodded, understanding that things had changed.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow across the yard, Kate helped Holly into her new costume, a little witch outfit with a black hat and a shimmering purple cape. She tugged the hood just right, making sure everything looked perfect.
Holly bounced with excitement, ready to join her friends for trick-or-treating. “Have fun and stay safe, okay?” Kate called after her, watching as Holly dashed off with a big grin, her laughter echoing through the crisp air.
Watching her daughter run into the night filled Kate with a brief moment of normalcy that soothed her heart. She took a deep breath and turned back to the house, ready to welcome the trick-or-treaters.
Soon, children began to knock on the door, each one in a colorful costume. Kate greeted them with candy and smiles, her spirits lifting with every giggle and cheerful “thank you” she received. Then, as she handed out candy, one little girl’s costume made her freeze in place.
The intricate design, the familiar fabric — it was just like the costumes Carl had once made. Kate’s heart raced as she managed a trembling smile. “Where did you get your costume, sweetie?” she asked, her voice thick with emotion.
The little girl beamed with pride. “My dad made it!” she replied, her eyes shining with joy. Kate’s pulse quickened. “Could you… show me where your house is?” she asked, struggling to keep her voice steady. The girl nodded eagerly, her tiny hand reaching out to take Kate’s. She led Kate a few streets away, her tiny feet pattering on the pavement.
As they approached a small house, Kate’s breath caught in her throat. Standing there, handing out candy, was Carl — alive. For a moment, their eyes locked, both filled with shock and a whirlwind of memories. “Hi,” Kate whispered, feeling the weight of everything they had lost. “Hi,” he replied softly, his voice a mix of surprise and regret.
Words felt heavy between them, but the silence spoke volumes. After a long pause, he sighed, his face a canvas of guilt and sorrow. “I’m sorry, Kate. I didn’t know how to tell you the truth.”
Trembling, Kate finally found her voice. “What truth, Carl?” she asked, searching his eyes for answers. He looked away, shame washing over him. “I met someone else. Her name is Rachel,” he confessed, his voice shaking. “The little girl — she’s like family to me now.” His words cut deep into Kate’s heart, but she held back her tears, her voice barely above a whisper.
“And what about Holly and me? We’re your family too.” Carl looked down, regret etched across his face. “I couldn’t live in two worlds anymore, Kate. I had to choose.”
The weight of his words felt like a heavy stone in her chest, but somehow, Kate managed to stand tall. “Then be happy, Carl. That’s all you can do,” she said firmly, her heart aching but resolute. She turned away, taking a deep breath as she walked back down the steps, determined to leave the past behind.
Back at her house, Holly’s laughter welcomed her like a warm embrace. Candy spilled from her bucket as she danced around, showing off her costume. “Look, Mommy! I got so much candy!” Holly shouted, her eyes sparkling with joy. Kate hugged her daughter tightly, feeling an overwhelming rush of love.
“We’ll make new memories, just the two of us,” she whispered, realizing that the life she shared with Holly was the one she would cherish. Together, they would create a future filled with joy, love, and adventure, without looking back at what was lost.
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