Page 2 of Devil's Embrace
I zipped up her jacket and cupped her small face in my hands."Those are just people in costumes, sweet pea.And besides, you've got me.I won't let anything scary get near you."
It was a promise I'd made the day she was born, staring down at her tiny, red face in the hospital.No matter what came, I would protect her.
"Ready to go get some candy?"I grabbed my own light sweater.
She nodded enthusiastically, the unicorn horn bobbing with the movement.I picked up the purple plastic pumpkin bucket we'd bought at the dollar store last weekend, and she clutched it to her chest like treasure.
I took one last look at our small but tidy home before opening the door.The dishes were done, the laundry folded, and Sparkles was standing guard.For the next two hours, nothing mattered except making Halloween magical for my daughter.
"Trick or treat!"Mina practiced in her sweet voice as we stepped into the hallway.
I locked our door, tucked the key into my purse, and took her small hand in mine.Tonight, we'd forget about being a single mom and the kid without a dad.Tonight, we were just a cat and her unicorn, ready for adventure.
I stepped out of our apartment building, Mina's small hand gripped firmly in mine.The streets of Havenview had transformed since morning.Jack-o'-lanterns lined the sidewalks, their carved faces glowing with flickering candlelight.Fake cobwebs stretched across hedges and fences, some adorned with plastic spiders that caught the last rays of the setting sun.The familiar neighborhood had become something otherworldly, exactly as Halloween should be.
"Look, Mama!"Mina pointed excitedly at every decorated yard we passed."A skeleton!And that house has a ghost in the tree!"
"I see them, sweet pea."I scanned the growing crowds of costumed children and their parents.
My grip on her hand tightened instinctively as a group of rowdy teenagers rushed past us.I'd chosen to start our trick-or-treating route in this neighborhood because it was well-lit and populated mostly by families and older residents.Safety first, always.
"Can we go there?"Mina tugged me toward a house with a friendly-looking porch, decorated with smiling pumpkins and a bowl of candy sitting unattended with a "Please Take One" sign.
"Sure, baby."I guided her up the short walkway, noting the clean yard and well-maintained appearance.Safe.
At the porch steps, Mina suddenly slowed, her previous enthusiasm dimming as she realized she'd have to speak to strangers.For all her excitement about Halloween, my daughter was shy around people she didn't know.
"It's okay," I whispered, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze."Just say 'trick or treat' like we practiced."
She took a deep breath, her little chest expanding beneath the purple satin of her costume.We approached the bowl together, and I could tell someone was watching through the window, probably smiling at the parade of children coming to their door.
Mina carefully selected a mini chocolate bar, then whispered, "Thank you," to the empty porch.
"Good job, sweet pea."We headed back to the sidewalk."The next house has people outside, though.Think you can say 'trick or treat' loud enough they can hear?"
She nodded solemnly."I'll try, Mama."
The next house had an elderly couple sitting on lawn chairs in their driveway.They’d dressed as farmers, the straw hats and overalls making them look like they’d just stepped out of a cornfield.A tray of candy sat between them, and they beamed at each child who approached.
"Well, look at this beautiful unicorn!"the woman exclaimed as we drew near."Aren't you just the prettiest thing?"
Mina pressed against my leg but didn't hide completely.Progress.
"What do you say?"I prompted gently.
"Trick or treat," Mina said, her voice barely audible.
"My, what good manners," the man said, leaning forward in his chair."And such a lovely costume.Did your mama make that for you?"
"No, sir," I answered when Mina remained silent."This unicorn has been dreaming about her costume for months, haven't you, sweet pea?"
Mina nodded, her eyes fixed on the candy tray.
"Well then, I think a special unicorn deserves a special treat."The woman reached into a separate container beside her chair.She pulled out a full-sized chocolate bar and placed it in Mina's plastic pumpkin."Happy Halloween, darlin'."
"What do you say?"I reminded Mina.
"Thank you," she managed, a little louder this time.
