by Pauline Yates Drunk on Samsu, I muddle the warning about a white-dressed woman with long, lank hair. Who said that? The bartender? No, a Malaysian beggar; a story for a coin, he said as I staggered home. A generous man, I obliged, and learned about the mythical Kuntilanak, a vengeful female spirit who […]
by C.L. Sidell We abandoned Will at camp—packed our belongings whilst he sweated hallucinations. The risk of contracting fever was too great. Three days later, we were shocked to find him waiting for us at the station. “Jake,” he said with a nod. “Lyle.” From atop the passenger car, a gigantic snow-white bird released […]
by Tracy Davidson Some call me myth. Others believe. None get my story right. I’ve lived a thousand lives, in many forms. I’ve waited and watched as humans developed and spread. I’ve loved them. I’ve hated them. Or, rather, hated what they have done to this world. What they still do. My purpose is […]
by M. Leigh The pipe quivers against blistered lips as he plays the familiar, melancholy tune. The song slinks through the forest, reaching the sleeping village, and tickles the children’s ears awake. Naked feet scurry toward the windows. He approaches. The Piper’s pointed boots click along the cobblestone below bloodied green and white striped […]
by Birgit K. Gaiser Grown-ups always ask where my parents are. I mumble: “They couldn’t come.” They know that’s code for a challenging home environment, so they put some extra treats in my pumpkin bag. I look past them through the door, imagining what it’s like to live there. Finally, when the pumpkins have […]
by John Ward She could smell candy on the evening breeze. She closed her eyes and let the intoxicating perfume wash over her, rekindling memories of bygone nights filled with jack-o’-lanterns and costumes and excitement. The mouth-watering scent lured her to a bustling suburban street where the candy ran freely. Drunk with anticipation, she […]
by Collin Yeoh Halloween? Really, granddaughter? You can’t speak your mother tongue. You scorn our ways and traditions. You threw yourself at the first white man who could say “ni hao.” You don’t even have an altar to me in your home. Now you eagerly celebrate this stupid Western drivel with its vulgar costumes […]
by Emily Carlson Being left home alone on Halloween was the worst. Too old to trick or treat, too young to accompany her parents to whatever monster mash they were attending this year. When the doorbell rang, she sighed, dragging the bowl of candy over to answer. Three masked people rushed at her, holding […]
by Michelle Brett “Hand over the candy, kid.” Anthony trembled beneath the bully’s gaze. He clutched his basket closer and spluttered out some words. “Please, no. It took me ages.” The bully snorted, then glanced back at his cronies; their faces already stuffed with stolen treats. “Now,” he hissed. Anthony dropped the basket as […]
by Andrew Anderson The doorbell rang. “So it begins,” muttered Ed, getting up to answer the door for his inaugural trick-or-treaters. This was Ed’s first Halloween since moving to town, so he’d prepared a tray of rather lopsided homemade cakes, along with some assorted chocolates and lollies from the supermarket. These kids were polite; […]