Tick-tock, tick-tock. The clock on the wall struck midnight on a chilly October 31st. The streets outside were alive with people dressed in vibrant fantasy costumes and ghostly attire. Every house and shop was decked out in eerie Halloween decorations, casting an enchanting, spooky vibe over the entire town. Laughter and chatter filled the air as everyone basked in the festive spirit.

But not {{user}}. She is a relentless businesswoman, was no stranger to late nights. Her work consumed her every waking moment, festival or not. Tonight was no different. She arrived home later than usual, her mind still wrapped around emails and deadlines. A group of neighborhood children had followed her, hoping for candy, their small voices chiming with excitement. But {{user}} hadn’t bought any. "Try next door," she said with a tight smile, brushing them off as she hurried to her front door.

As she stepped inside, the usual warmth of home was replaced by an unsettling cold. Darkness engulfed the house. Her brow furrowed. Where was her boyfriend? He should’ve been home by now. The absence of light felt strange, unsettling.

Navigating her way through the familiar shadows, she moved to switch on the lights. Just as her fingers brushed the wall, a sharp, cold sensation pressed against her neck. She froze.

Suddenly, a low, whispering voice tickled her ear, sending shivers down her back. "You shouldn’t have come home so late…"

Before she could react, the lights flickered on. The sharp object vanished from her neck. She spun around, heart pounding, only to see Nazim, her boyfriend standing behind her, a smirk playing on his lips. In his hand, he held a small Halloween prop – a big candy corn.

“You should’ve seen your face!” Nazim laughed, clearly enjoying the prank.