A Halloween Tale


I used to hate Halloween. If I'd wanted kids to practise extortion with threats I'd have steered them towards a career in banking instead of sending them forth to wrest sweets from old ladies. And I'd never believed in ghouls.

Then came my comeuppance. At nightfall, while trick or treaters roamed our streets, I was ambushed by a monster. It was a scrawny, slimy monster with purple flesh and scaly legs. There was a dripping hole where its face should have been and two pulsing bulges for eyes.

My tranquil nights became hellish. The monster roared through the darkest hours. It seeped toxic mucus and it gnawed at my flesh. The more it gnawed, the larger it grew and slowly I realised that it wasn't my flesh it was gnawing, it was my heart.

My monster had enslaved me and, in doing so, he had turned me into a monster. I would have vanquished any soul who prevented his flourishing and felled any predator who caused him harm.

And he had turned me into a paragon. I would surrender my last morsel for his nourishment and lay down my life for his own.

In the eight years since, I have tamed my wee monster and he has transformed me. The terror, if anything has grown. That long-ago night it was the threat of the unknown; now it's the fear that I might fail him.

But these days, though I still hate trick or treating, I embrace Halloween with gusto, for I've learned that life without that terrifying arrival would be monstrous.

Happy Birthday to my little boy!



Comments

  1. Bloody brilliant. You were born to write, it seems. I love reading your blog. Happy monster-versary to you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Loved this! A Halloween birthday! I hope you all have a great day today. X.

    ReplyDelete
  3. A little monster in the form of a gorgeous boy is a perfect reason to celebrate Halloween - Happy Birthday to your son! x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh fab piece of writing, and happy birthday to him x

    ReplyDelete
  5. How sweet happy birthday to your son

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy Birthday to your lovely boy. Did you make him a special pumpkin birthday cake as a present? No? Oh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, naturally I was going to, but a hedgehog from M&S appeared before I could!

      Delete

  7. Gosh what a gorgeous piece of writing. You have surpassed yourself! it's obviously a special occasion..... happy Birthday

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. was trying to say A ver Happy Birthday to you both and should you ever seriously consider that trip to Brighton, please know I have a monster aged nearly eit, so they should get on!

      Delete
    2. You're very kind. I visit Brighton about once in a decade so you'll be the first to know!

      Delete
  8. Awwwwww, this made me want to barf, as your daughter would say.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
    I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
    Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

    My webpage; Converse Femme

    ReplyDelete
  10. I think this is one of the most vital info for me.

    And i'm glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The website style is great, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

    my website - Converse France

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am extremely impressed together with your writing abilities as smartly as with the structure in your blog.
    Is that this a paid theme or did you modify it your self?
    Anyway stay up the nice high quality writing, it's rare to look a great blog like this one nowadays..

    Also visit my web blog ... Jordan Femme

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hardcore Living

The Various Uses of Rubber

Driving Parents Round the Bend