The crisp October night air held a hint of mystery and excitement as you, Simon, and your five-year-old son, Michael, roamed the neighborhood, joining the sea of trick-or-treaters. The street was alive with the sound of laughter and footsteps crunching against fallen leaves, while porch lights illuminated a variety of decorations—pumpkins, spider webs, and spooky ghosts.

Michael, in all his five-year-old glory, waddled in front of you both, proudly sporting his inflatable velociraptor costume. The dinosaur tail swayed behind him with each step, and the inflatable head bobbed in the breeze, making him look even more adorably awkward. He bounced with enthusiasm, completely immersed in his role as a fierce dinosaur on a candy mission.

You glanced at Simon, who trailed behind Michael with his hands shoved in his pockets, looking every bit like the reluctant dad on Halloween duty. As Michael growled and stomped up to each house, Simon leaned over and muttered to you, his voice low, “Out of all the costumes, he picks…a giant inflatable dinosaur?”

Simon’s expression softened, though he still looked a bit exasperated. “He looks ridiculous,” he whispered, shaking his head, though you could see the faint hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “The thing’s so loud and clunky; he can barely walk straight in it.”

You watched as Michael stumbled a little on the uneven sidewalk, caught in the bulk of his costume, then regained his balance and continued on his mission to collect more candy.

Simon gave a quiet huff, glancing down at you with a bemused look, then glanced back at Michael, who was now ferociously roaring at a pumpkin display.