INTRODUCTION

On the night of 31 October. This celebration brings happiness from the sharing and caring of people. 

Halloween costumes allow people to dress up as someone else or even in any sort of creatures, as a sign of freedom and from not being preconceived in notion and judgement. 

41 million of Children, teenagers and young adults celebrate Halloween all around the world in each year. 

Unfortunately there’s a percentage of them who created “tricked or killed”. They made their own way to celebrate Halloween. These people tend to use these costumes as a shield to hide their identity from their victims. 

Main Characters

Ashvin

Lea / the sister of John 

John / the victim 

Mr pikin / mysterious monster 

Emily/ The victim  

Secondary characters 

John’s family 

Emma 

Mr Dawson 

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 Decades back, The city of Goodville was the most famous zone, where halloween was being celebrated. Everybody would gather around, and celebrate it like a fantasy.  

A month before, the Jonas family moved from Northville and they settled in Goodville. They were facing a financial problem, and they had to settled here as John’s father got a new job which could help them to escape from poverty. The family had no idea of what they would go through. Despite Goodville was a well known city, it has faced several nightmares. When the Jonas family settled in Goodville, they chose to purchase a decent house due to their financial budget. They found a house which belonged to an old man named Mr Dawson. It was a huge wooden house, with a small yard. On the left side of the road, there was a dry loadleaf  forest. Nobody in the neighbourhood would approached to this forest, for unknown reasons. On the day mr Dawson handed over the house keys to Mr Jonas, he warned the Jonas family about not approaching to this forest ever in their life. 

Unfortunately mr Jonas couldn’t figured out about the secret of this forest. As It was mild and it seemed to have no reasons for being careful about. Days passed by, they were facing some troubles. The little boy named John, couldn’t sleep at night. He was complaining about seeing a shadow next to his window at  midnight.  John is the youngest son in the family. He had an elder sister named Lea, she was always chaperoning her little brother because she loved him so much. Even though she was controlling over her brother. So she was given the responsibility to take care of John at night. 

The latter at night, both siblings spent the night together. As usual Lea used to sing lullabies and even narrate stories to John. John was fond of her creativity that she would made out from her imagination. Lea used to create any sort of monsters in her tales, because she was awared that John wouldn’t be interested into princesses, the last kiss and so on. They used to have fun by getting themselves under the blanket and light out a torch.Just to make it realistic, Lea would invent the monsters through shadows of the light torch.So casually when both of them were having fun, at that time John was feeling secure, because he knew that he wouldn’t have to sleep alone on the recent night. Unfortunately John was wrong,he wasn’t aware of the upcoming consequences.

Lea:- I’m bored right now, let’s go back to sleep.

John:- NO, I want to listen the story of the gremlin and the zombies. 

Lea: I’ve narrated this story to you several times. What about Romeo and Juliette? 

John: Gross! I would prefer the rooster and the hen instead of Romeo and Juliette.

Lea facing towards the window pane. 

Lea: Don’t be an idiot. There’s nothing more romantic and unique, than a guy who sneaks out at night just to have a glimpse of you. Romeo, Romeo. Where are you my Romeo ? 

John: It’s already night, yet you are still daydreaming. 

Lea: it’s not funny. Let’s go back to bed. 

Lea went back to bed, but John was still standing there. Suddenly he started yelling. 

John: No wait. LEA come here right now!

Lea: what is the matter? 

At her own surprise, she saw someone dragging something near the forest. 

Lea: hide yourself down. Is that a corpse? 

John: yes I think so. It seems that it is a little girl in a pink shirt. 

Lea: Look! That one seems like a man who is wearing a pumpkin on his head. 

John: what should we do? Shall we call 911? I told you before about that shadow. Nobody believed me.

Lea: No, this can be so dangerous. Act like it’s normal. We can’t take any of such risks. I will talk to dad about this tomorrow. 

The next day.

Mrs Jonas: Good morning kids.You woke up early today. 

Mr Jonas: it seems that they haven’t slept the whole night. 

Lea: Mom forget about the breakfast, I need to tell you about something. While chatting with John at night, I’ve seen a disguised man dragging a corpse outside  the forest. I don’t even know if it’s an unconscious person or a dead one. 

Mr Jonas: Lea, are you being influenced by John hallucinations?. As being the eldest one, you should behave maturely. Your responsibility is to take care of him. 

Lea: dad, you have to believe me.

Mr Jonas: No Lea. You both are grounded. Stop using that little brain to narrate stories about your imaginary monsters. It’s really affecting the both of you. 

Mrs Jonas: I think there’s something definitely wrong. We can’t just ignore.

Mr Jonas: Now you want to play along with the kids. I have so much work to do, I have to go. Please excuse me. 

Mrs Jonas: where is John?

Lea: he went to play outside with our neighbour. Let me go to check on him.

While walking around the yard, Lea saw the kids playing. Shockingly a guy approached to her. He was a tall and handsome guy, Lea kept admiring him as if she was lost in the seven clouds. 

Unknown guy: Hi, My name is ashvin.

Lea: Nice to meet you. My name is Lea. 

Ashvin: so you are new around here? 

Lea: yeah, actually some weeks ago my family and I settled here. 

Ashvin: oh cool. You are the prettiest girl in this neighbourhood. 

Lea: excuse me! Are you trying to hit on me right now? 

Ashvin: it can be a yes but here’s a beautiful flower for the most prettiest girl. 

Lea: thanks this is actually my favourite. 

John: no she is lying. Her favourite is Red Rose not Yellow one. 

Lea [awkwardly] : No that’s not true. Go back to play. Nobody called you here. 

John [laughing loudly] : mom is calling you miss liar. 

Lea: I will deal with you today. Go ahead, I will join you in a few minutes. 

John went back into the house 

Lea: don’t mind him please. He is my little brother. Just a bit annoying.

Ashvin: Don’t worry about that, I want to ask you about something.

Lea: yeah sure. 

Ashvin: since we talked and we had such a lovely moment together, will you mind if I ask you to be with me tomorrow?

Lea: for the Halloween night? 

Ashvin: yeah but do you mind? 

Lea: it will be a pleasure to be your Halloween partner. 

Ashvin: you look adorable when you smile . Thank you for saying yes, we will meet tomorrow then. I shall wait for you. 

Lea: thanks but I need to go now. Bye 

Lea was blushing, she couldn’t figure out about what is going on. Was it a dream or just the reality. She kept on thinking about the guy that she just met. 

Mrs Jonas: I waited for so long, what were you doing? 

Lea: Hmm nothing. I was just walking around. 

John: Alone? Or is it with ......

Lea: mom why did you called me? 

Mrs Jonas: just to ask you about your Halloween costume. What did you decide about this? 

Lea [whispering] : I need to wear a costume which will help me to impress ashvin. 

Mrs Jonas: Pardon!

Lea: Well mom I think I will be the catwoman for tomorrow. 

Mrs Jonas: Jesus! Last time you said that you wanted to be a bunny. 

Lea: I changed my mind now. It will be embarrassing to wear something like that. 

John: Lea I will be the Batman. I know why you chose to be the catwoman. 

Lea: John I need you in the bedroom right now. We need to start the preparation, let’s go. 

Lea dragged him to the bedroom and Mrs Jonas was still clueless.

Lea: why are you being like these naughty kids? Can’t you shut your damn mouth? 

John: on one condition. 

Lea: what?

John: you have to give me half of your candies after the Halloween night. Else I will tell mom about the date of Romeo and Juliette. 

Lea: fine. I promise but bear that in your little brain, he is just a friend. Make  sure that nothing will happen, so that mom and dad won’t be aware of this. 

John: deal.

Later that night, Lea was dressed up as a sexy catwoman. Black leather pants and jacket along with a tight black bodice. She did wear a small mask to give the appearance of a secret identity. 

Lea: Perfect, it’s time to go downstairs now. Ashvin must be waiting for me. 

Mrs Jonas: Lea don’t forget to take your Batman along with you. 

Lea: No I won’t. 

Mrs Jonas: why?

Lea: haha Just kidding. Come on let’s go John. 

When Lea stepped out of the house, she couldn’t believed her eyes. A handsome vampire was just standing right there, waiting for her. It was ashvin, wearing a black button down shirt with dark pants, with his sharp teeth. At the first glimpse, ashvin whispered “wow” you look so gorgeous. Lea was feeling so nervous, but all that she had to do is confronting this nervousness to be able to make the night worthy. It was a sort of first date for her. 

John: hmmmmmm... i don’t want to be the third wheel between you and your street Romeo. I am going to play with some friends. 

Lea: mind yourself John. Ashvin I’m really sorry about what he said. He’s just a silly fellow. 

John: mind your candies. I will take them after the night. 

Lea: oh look they are calling for you. Go now 

Ashvin: he is so funny, he keeps on irritating you all day long. 

Lea: never mind. Let’s go, but where is your basket?. 

Ashvin: are you serious about that right now? Leave it for John 

Lea [awkwardly] : No but I promised John about giving him my candies after the night, so I thought this would have been the best idea to do so. 

Ashvin[laughing]: I will help you, don’t worry. We don’t need to do that trick or treat, I have lots of candies at home. Why don’t you come over my place ? You can take it from me. 

Lea: are you sure? It wont be nice to leave him alone. I need to keep an eye on him and i don’t even know where you live. 

Ashvin: my house is just a few steps away. Your parents will never find out, neither do you have to worry about this. I will drop you at home early itself. 

Lea: okay lets go. 

While walking Ashvin slide his hand on lea’s waist. They were both walking so close to each other. Lea was confused, she didn’t knew what to do. Was it the right choice or was it just weird. When they both reached to their destination, Lea sat down on the couch, Ashvin came and sat closely to her. He grabbed her palm and he started playing with it, while rubbing his fingers on it. Lea was breathing loudly because her nervousness was killing her. A few seconds later, he whispered in her ear. Do you like it?, but Lea kept quiet as she was still uncertain about it. He got more closer and suddenly he closed his eyes. Just for taking the step to kiss her, but Lea pulled herself back. 

Lea: i am sorry, i don’t think that i will be able to do this because I’ve never done this before. 

Ashvin: it’s alright, I have a surprise for you. Come with me. 

Ashvin grabbed her hand and took her to the terrace. There were beautiful petal of Roses and scented candles. There was a table which was decorated with a crystal bowl half filled with water in which beautiful floating candles are lighted. it was unbelievable. Ashvin pulled the chair, and Lea sat down. After he sat down, he stared at Lea with a huge smile. 

Ashvin: do you like it mon amour? 

Lea: It’s beautiful. I never thought that I would have a date under the stars.

Ashvin: would you like to dance with me? 

Lea: it will be a pleasure. 

He grabbed lea’s hands and both of them started dancing. They move slowly close to each other. All they could do is just staring in each other’s eyes. Lea couldn’t stop smiling. As lea was a bad dancer, she ended up in smashing Ashvin’s feet with her heels. 

Lea: I am sorry. I am not good in dancing. 

Ashvin: it’s fine, i didn’t got badly hurt. 

Lea: it’s weird right, about a date in Halloween costumes. 

Ashvin [ leaning his head on her shoulder while making a cunning smile] : that’s unique, there’s more Halloween surprise. 

Lea: what? 

Ashvin pulled her more close towards him. You want to see the magic of my vampire teeth?. He came closer and kissed her. It was the most magical moment for Lea. She didn't stopped even if she wanted to. All she could do was wrapping her arms around his shoulders and continue to kiss Ashvin. Some minutes later,

Lea: I need to go now. 

Ashvin: it was a great night even if you have to leave so soon. 

Lea: it was a pleasure. 

While Ashvin was walking along with Lea, both of them started talking. Suddenly Lea asked her about the forest which was nearby her house. Ashvin seemed to be uncomfortable about it but yet he didn’t changed the topic just not to make her feel doubtful. 

Lea: is there any sort of stories about this forest?.The day when my father talked to Mr Dawson. He warned all of us to be careful about this forest. Yet no story was heard about this. 

Ashvin: No actually on previous year, someone was killed in that forest. It was on Halloween itself and nobody found a clue about the culprit. Neither the cops. 

Lea: oh my goodness but how? 

Ashvin: there’s a rumour about the pikin man. Who is dressed as a pumpkin and commits crime through this hidden identity. As I know either the victims get kidnap or killed. People around here believe that it is a kind of paranormal thing. They take precautions on this specific day. 

Lea: My god. You won’t believe me, last night John and I have seen the same identical man dragging a corpse away. When I talked about this to my father, he didn’t believed me and I was grounded for that. I think we need to call the cops. 

Ashvin: no you don’t have to, it can be dangerous for you and your family. 

They reached at Lea’s house. 

Lea: anyway I have to go inside now, I think John is already there. 

Ashvin: when will I be able to see you again? 

Lea: maybe tomorrow.

They both kissed. 

Ashvin: goodnight my love. 

When Lea got home, the light was switched off. The family members were already sleeping, Lea thought that John might be home already. She placed the basket on the table and then got on bed. As a guess that John might be sleeping.

John wake up,I brought your sweets. Still there’s no respond. John, johnnnn. Oh my god John is not here. I need to go and find out. Maybe he is still playing outside, how is it possible mom and dad went to sleep without even being aware of our return. 

Hurriedly Lea went outside to look for John. She saw the mates of John. they were still unaware of his whereby. 

Lea: what shall I do. Mom will kill me if she finds out of my carelessness. I think I shall ask for help. Whom? Idea. I need to rush to Ashvin. 

Lea kept on running until she reached to his house. It was odd, the front door was already opened. Without uttering a word, Lea went inside. When she was about to say call his name, she heard a female voice. Lea hid herself and listened to the conversation of Ashvin who was talking with a woman named Emma. She felt betrayed because on the same night of their first date, he was ready to end that night in the arms of an another woman. Lea left from there just like she came silently. It wasn’t the right moment to confront him about this because she had to look for her brother. The only option left was Mr Dawson, he was the last hope for Lea. Right away, she rushed to Mr Dawson. 

Lea: Mr Dawson, I need your help. It’s urgent please.

Mr Dawson: Calm down young lady. What is the matter ? 

Lea: Mr Dawson .. my brother John got kidnapped. 

Mr Dawson: Calm down, because you are out of breath. Take this glass of water and sit down. 

Lea: As it was Halloween today, John went to play with his friends and he went for trick or treat. When I came back home, he was nowhere. I am so worried right now, please help me. 

Mr Dawson: That’s not the only time this has ever happened. It might be possible that John is no more. Last year the corpse of my daughter was found in that forest. Since then it was a painful living for me. That’s why I ended up in selling this house to your family. This house was filled with Emily’s memories. She died mysteriously on Halloween. People believe that there’s a ghost in this city. A pikin ghost. 

Lea: I believe that your daughter was murdered. It’s not a ghost, but actually a real person. John and I have seen this person from our window. It seems to be like a man. He was also dragging the corpse of a little girl. Nobody believed us. Weeks before, after you left the house keys John was complaining about seeing some sort of shadow at midnight. It’s a crime Mr Dawson, someone is actually using this Halloween costume to harm children. I need to find my brother before the sunrise, else my parents will seriously go through a trauma and it’s a matter of his life. I need your help. 

Mr Dawson: where are they? 

Lea: I think they are sleeping as when I came back home, the light was already switched off and i didn’t bothered to disturb them. I came out for your help after I found out John’s kidnapping. 

Mr Dawson: No I don’t believe they are sleeping. I’m sure there’s something fishy. We need to go back  to your house right now. 

Minutes later. 

Mom? Dad? Are you there? 

No respond. 

Mr Dawson there’s blood in the corridor, it reaches near the back door of the house but it heads to the back yard. 

Mr Dawson and Lea rushed to the backyard but all they could found was candies which was spilt on the grass. 

Mr Dawson: Lea I think we should go in this forest. There’s definitely something out there. 

When both of them got into the forest. 

Lea: AHHHHH it’s the corpse which I’ve seen days ago. I told you it’s a murder case. We need to find them as soon as possible. I will search on this side and you have to search on the other side. 

While looking for them, Lea kept on walking further but then she realised that Mr Dawson was completely gone. She kept on screaming his name but it was in vain. She was afraid and she had goosebumps. She was all alone. She kept on walking, until she reached in the middle of the forest. She heard some footsteps. Shockingly she saw the pikin man, and Mr Dawson on the ground. At the moment he was about to throw a stone on Mr Dawson’s head. Lea took a stick of wood and hit the pikin man on his head. He fell down and removed his pumpkin mask. 

Lea: I can’t believe this, how can you do this to me. I thought you were a good person. I trusted you, wasn’t it enough to see you into the arms of Emma?. So all these time the pikin man was actually you. 

Ashvin: Yes that’s right. I never loved you, all of these were just an act to make you believe me. You thought that I didn’t noticed when you and John saw me last time. I saw everything, that’s why I ended up in coming close to you and in the end. After dropping you home it was out of the blue as you confessed everything on your own. When I saw John, I dragged him with me and obviously he was kidnapped by me. I killed him already. Without any doubt, while you were in my arms, Emma showed your parents the path to heaven.

Lea hits him twice on his back 

How dare you. You killed my brother, where are my parents ? If you won’t tell me then I will call the cops. 

Ashvin: you will call the cops only if you will be alive. 

Ashvin pulled the leg of Lea and she fell down. At the moment he was about to stab her, mr Dawson pushed him and both of them started fighting over the knife. In the end Ashvin got stab from it. He fell down and died. 

               A month later

Lea: Mr Dawson I am so grateful that you saved my life on that day. After my family demise, I don’t think I can live here anymore. Just like this house was filled with the memories of Emily, Now it’s just the same for me. My parents and my brother was killed in that forest, I think that I need to move on. That day is just haunting me every night. This is the only nightmare of my life.

Lea grabbed Mr Dawson’s hand and put the house keys in his palm. Mr Dawson cried after being reminded of this tragic. He was worried about Lea but he still had the confidence that she would be able to move on. 

Mr Dawson: God bless. You still have a future to go ahead and I know you will be happy. 

Lea: I am leaving this city permanently, you have to take care of yourself. Goodbye Mr Dawson. 

The end.