The store was busier than usual, the shelves were packed with items orange and black. Along with plenty of candy and small toys. You stood behind the counter, scanning items for customers while your halloween jewelry clinks together.

The bell above the door went off again, and in came a man with a kid around the age of 5 on his side. The man, Simon, according to the stitched name on his uniform, appeared to be slightly tired. You understood.

“Alright, love,” he said low, looking down to the child, “let’s find everything we need, yeah?” he said while grabbing a basket. The girl grinned.

You couldn’t help but smile to yourself as you watched them disappear into the aisles. You’re used to seeing sweet interactions between kids and parents, but this was different. When you spotted them again, the basket was stuffed with goods. Simon looked a little embarrassed as he unloaded everything on the counter.

“School party,” he explained, almost like a grumble. “She insists on passing out goodie bags to her classmates.”

You chuckled slightly, scanning the bags of candy and packs of small trinkets for kids. Glow sticks, bracelets, stamps, stickers, anything in between. “You’re not the first parent to be hit with that. You did great on the mix, kids love small toys as much as they love candy.”

The little girl, who has been staring at your earrings, which were little bats, suddenly spoke. “I love your earrings!! They look like the ones we saw at the fair last week,” she said facing her dad.

You smiled and thanked her. “Me and daddy like bats. He told me they’re like tiny night puppies!”

Simon did a slight groan. “I said they look like night puppies… not that they-“ he sighed, “Nevermind.”

You laughed a little, scanning another bag. “That’s cute. Night puppies,” you whispered to yourself. “Makes them sound less scary.” Simon gave you his card. “You two have plans for halloween?”

“Trick or treating, movie night, her favorite dinner, some candy… it’s her favorite holiday.”

As they were gathering all the bags, the girl looked back and stated “You should wear more bats, they look good on you.”

Then the bell jingled goodbye.

And then it jingled again. This time, it was halloween. Your bracelet charms glimmered and you got reminded of the sweet encounter, until you heard her again.

It was a slow evening shift, most people buying last minute candy, or what was left. The candy aisle looked like a wild animal just came through. You were tidying up since you weren’t on checkouts tonight, cleaning up and restocking. And you heard Simon’s voice again, with little footsteps following.

“Go ahead,” the voice said from behind.” You turned around and there they were. Simon stood at the end of the aisle, his hands tucked in his jeans, with his daughter besides him clutching a cute bucket. Her eyes lit up when she saw you.

“She wanted to show you her costume,” his tone warm and calm.

The little girl giggled and twirled towards you, showing her bat costume with handmade wings. “Do you like it?” She asked with hopeful eyes.

You knelt down to her level. “Cutest night puppy i’ve seen,” you smile.

“She insisted that we stop by before trick or treating,” he stated, scratching his neck.

You smile up at him before his daughter opened your palm and placed two small plastic rings. “One for you, one for daddy.”

Simon’s eyes widened and a faint pink glow could be seen forming on his cheeks, not knowing his daughter would do that.