"I won't tell you the history and meaning behind dressing up and trick or treating until tomorrow." Deb winked at Alex as the two walked to their car.
He was dressed as a pepper shaker, and she was salt. It made it a bit difficult to get into the car, but they managed.
"Wait," he said, turning to face her. "Are you telling me that costumes and candy are somehow evil as well?"
"I'm not telling you anything … at least not until tomorrow. Now, let's go. First stop, or new friend Josef's Carnival."
Their friends had invited them to a party that evening, food, drinks, dancing, music, scary movies in the background, all the normal party things, and they were going to be headed that direction, but Josef had sushi invited them to come to The Branch's HallowedName Community Carnival, and he had promised candy, so they were stopping by there first.
Many people thought that adults shouldn't be trick or treating, that they didn't need candy, that Halloween was a holiday for kids, but who was it that decided that after a certain age people stopped enjoying games and costumes and candy? In fact, much of what is wrong in the world may be attributed to the fact that adults are expected and told to give up and put away the very things that bring them laughter and excitement and joy as children. Regardless, Josef had promised that everyone, even adults, could get candy at the Carnival, so that's where they were headed.
Walking in, Deb was genuinely surprised. "I didn't expect there to be so much stuff here," she told Alex. "I always thought that church events like this were pretty lame, but this actually looks fun."
"It does look fun," Alex replied. "Look, there's an axe throwing booth! Let's go do that!"
The Carnival was very similar to the Circus they had visited earlier, but instead of fear and death, this place was filled with laughter and life. They stayed for about an hour, playing games and collecting candy before deciding it was time to move on to the party they'd been invited to.
As they were saying goodbye to Josef, Deb's phone rang.
"Hello," she shared questioningly. She didn't recognize the number.
"Hello. Is this Deb?"
"Yes. Who is this?"
"Great! I'm calling from the Red Cider Circus to let you know you won our drawing."
"What drawing? What are you talking about?"
"Every year, every person who purchases a ticket is entered into a drawing for our 'end of season' prize pack, and this year you're the lucky winner."
"Ummm great. Thanks. What did I win?"
"First, are you free tonight?"
"Tonight? Why?"
"The prize includes an event happening tonight, and we need to know if you can make it."
"Yeah, I can make it work. What's the prize?"
"You've won an exclusive evening here for yourself and one guest at one of our private campfire sites out among the apple trees. You'll receive a wagon ride to the site, where a bonfire will be blazing to keep you warm, and you'll be outfitted with all the apple treats and drinks you could need to keep you satisfied for the evening. You'll have exclusive Red Cider Circus merchandise, such as a hoodie, mug, blanket, and the best part is that you will get an exclusive first look at a new attraction joining the Circus next year, and, you'll be featured as a part of it."
"Wow, thanks. That sounds great. What do I need to do?"
"Just show up and give your name to the ticket counter. They'll handle everything else. You just need to show up by 10, at the latest, because the ticket counter closes then."
"I can do that."
"Then there are only two more questions. Who will you be bringing with you, and, which version of the package would you like? First, we have the standard, scary package, complete with everything you'd expect from the Red Cider Circus, haunted wagon ride, ghostly company at the campfire, the whole deal. Second, we have the autumn package, which has everything, but without the scary elements, side from the preview of next year's attraction."
"I'll be bringing Alex, and I think we'll go with the autumn package. He's not a fan of the haunted stuff."
"Perfect. We'll have it ready for you within thirty minutes. See you soon."
"Thank you. Bye."
"Who was that," Alex asked.
"I won a drawing. We're gonna have to skip the party."
"Where are we going?"
"The Red Cider Circus. I won an exclusive evening there, but don't worry. I asked for the non-scary version. Are you ok coming with me?"
"Not thrilled about it. That place terrifies me, but I'll go with you."
As they were leaving they saw a couple of zombies walking in the direction of the Red Cider Circus, a man dressed as a medieval king and a tween girl dressed as a witch, but you could tell by the deadness in their eyes that they were mindless zombies. It unexpectedly sent a shiver down Deb's spine.
Part 27: 5
Part 29: 3