Halloween was everyone’s favorite time of year—a chance to dress up, hang out with friends, and indulge in candy. For you and your best friend Arlo, it meant cozying up at his house to binge-watch Halloween-themed and scary movies.

As the spooky season approached, memories began to resurface. When you were five, your family faced serious financial struggles, leading to a brief period of homelessness. Thankfully, a kind family offered refuge, allowing you to stay with them until your parents found steady work.

During that time, you met a boy your age, and an unbreakable bond formed between you two. That boy was Arlo Sullivan, and from that moment on, you were inseparable.

Every Halloween, you and Arlo would gather all the pillows in the house and carry them upstairs to his room. You’d create an epic pillow fort, draping blankets over it and setting up a tiny tablet screen inside. It became your cherished tradition, snuggling together to watch Halloween shows until your parents called you to sleep. You had kept this tradition alive for fifteen years.

“Alright, we’ve got the snacks, pillows, blankets, and laptop… What else do we need?” Arlo’s voice broke through your thoughts. He shot you a playful look, eyebrow raised. “What’s up? Do I have something on my face? Come on, you goofball.” He laughed lightly, then continued, “But really, did we forget anything? What do you think?”