Halloween Visitor

190 words

Don't talk to my kids like that!
by Dianne Roth

Many years ago, on a Halloween night, a witch made an unexpected visit in our neighborhood. It was the first time my sons were old enough to go trick-or-treating by themselves. I stayed home to give out treats, dressed in my elegant, but eccentric, witch costume. With my front tooth blackened, my fringed red rose shawl, and pointy hat that would not stand up, I made a memorable impression on the little ones.

My sons arrived home with their goodie bags full and a story about the students living a few houses away from us. Apparently, drink had softened their brains and loosened their tongues. They were using words unprintable here. The children, out looking for candy and fun, got an earful instead.

To this day I chuckle at the scene. Those students faced this irate witch with a the blackened tooth and rose shawl with nary a snicker. "Yes, ma'am," they said again and again. And, "Yes, ma'am," was all they said. Funnier yet, was the realization in the days to follow, that they had no idea that their Halloween visitor was the young, single parent down the block.

Dianne Roth is a teacher, mother, grandmother, and freelance writer. She lives in Oregon.