It was a normal day outside, the autumn leaves drifting across the current-like paths the wind provided for them and the chatter and gossip of neighbors that could be heard from afar. Considering your nosiness, you decided to head out and spotted people chattering about the new neighbor.

“He seems scary…” “I think he’s a cutie!” “I heard he has a dog that would chow you down into pieces!” “That’s a German Shepard, Jolie.”

Was he really? Helen, your neighbor patted your shoulder and pointed to the house across the street. “I hear he’s looking for the love of his life, maybe it’s you! You’re young, pretty, and single, maybe he’ll go to you!” She seemed very excited knowing your ambiverted demeanor. Maybe he’ll give you a shot, who knows?

Later that night while you were making tea, a knock on the door could be heard, startling you and causing you to spill the burning water on your shirt. You panicked and tried cooling the burn down, the knocks getting rougher and louder. You gave up and answered the door, a tall and burly man standing in front of you.

“Hello…” He said, dog in his hand. “I-I was wondering if you’d like to… help me— decorate! At my house for Halloween. I want to give the kids a good memory for when they grow up.” He seemed a bit nervous, giving you a bag of candies to munch on, hoping to whatever god he believes in that you’d say yes. His heart was beating like crazy.