little halloween drabble

Simon’s doorbell is ringing.

It’s odd, because he rarely gets visitors. He’s holed up in this three bedroom townhouse that he bought last summer on a quiet residential street, and only John knows where it is.

So when his doorbell rings, his instincts stir, and he approaches the front door carefully, gun tucked in the waistband of his pants at his back.

Nothing through the peep hole, and his frown deepens when the bell rings again.

What the?

He doesn’t know what he expected to find when he opened the door. John maybe. A door to door solicitor, or someone similar.

He didn’t expect a pint size child in a tiger’s costume, ears and all on the hood pulled over their head.

“Trick or treat!” What? It’s October twelfth… He crouches, but even on his haunches, he’s not eye level with the little beast.

“Who’re you?”

“Lisbeth.” She holds a pillow case open with a toothy smile. “Trick or treat.”

“It’s not-”

“Lisbeth!” He turns to find his you speeding down the sidewalk, your eyes wide, frantic, mad, shaking your head furiously. Meanwhile, the little girl at his feet gives him a chastising look, like he’s the one who’s gotten her in trouble. It’s an eyeful on someone who can’t be older than five.

“You’re in trouble.” He murmurs, and her lower lip rolls out as you clear his gate and wrap your hand around her wrist, dragging her towards you. You’re a bit of a mess, pajama pants and a stretched out hoodie, mismatched socks under slippers, but there’s something about it that fits, some sort of chaos that seems to settle on your shoulders as he stares at you. Beautiful, stunning, frightening chaos.

“Sowwy mum.”

“What did I say? It’s not halloween for two weeks yet. You can’t just go walking around the neighborhood bothering the neighbors.” Guilt wedges under his ribs.

“She wasn’t botherin’ me.”

“See?” She grins, and you shake your head.

“I’m sorry. She’s just… it’s her favorite holiday. She’s excited and I turned my back for one minute…” You drag the words out and Lisbeth looks properly scolded.

“It’s alright. She’s… cute.” Isn’t that what people say? They say kids are cute, right? You give him a weak smile, and it’s mildly encouraging, so he goes a step further and extends his hand. “I’m Simon.”

“Simon.” You’re weak in his grip. Delicate, soft, and he’s mesmerized by your lips as you give him your name and jerk your head down the street.

“We’re two doors down. Just moved in.” He’s not sure where to take it from here, only that he wants to drag this out and soak up this opportunity, this conversation, this moment where he’s standing in front of something so lovely he’s not sure how it exists.

“Nice to meet you. An’ you.” He nods towards Lisbeth, and she nods back.

“You’ll have candy on Halloween?” You close your eyes, exasperated.

“Lisbeth, not everyone wants trick or treaters, you know. He could have plans. Or just not want a million kids at his door.” Normally, he’d say you’re right, he doesn’t want trick or treaters, he doesn’t want kids at his door. He’s not made for this life but the idea of you and the kid walking around in the dark, knocking on people’s doors, getting candy, makes him homesick for something he doesn’t understand.

“I’ll have candy, yeah.” It will be worth it, he promises himself. Worth it to see you again.

“Alright then. Well, I guess we’ll see you on Halloween.” Lisbeth’s face is all mischief as you turn her away. “Nice to meet you Simon.”

“You too.” His brain is too slow for this interaction, his thoughts too convoluted. Later he’ll think of a million things he could have asked you, said to you, built a bridge to you with, but for now you too is all he’s got.

You look over your shoulder at him when you’re halfway down the sidewalk with a small, lingering smile, and Lisbeth grins at him like a cat that’s got the cream as she shouts across his yard.

“See you on Halloween!”