Hello, listeners. Every year on Halloween, I like to share a short horror story. Last year, instead of

sharing an old classic horror story, I had the honor of reading a story that was written just for the

MCP, Perfect Skin, by L.J. Stanton. This year, I'd like to continue that step away from classic

short horror stories to bring you one that I wrote myself.

Without further ado, the MCP presents A Party for Chancy.

Chancy was excited. His new family was setting up for his birthday party in the old red barn that had become his new home

about a week ago. His new father, Brandon, hung colorful garlands from the rafters, and his new mother,

Elisa, laid a table with a red checkered tablecloth. Chancy sighed contentedly. He had always wanted a

family. When Elisa and Brandon had purchased him

at the store, he'd been so happy to finally belong to someone. All of the other miniature horses had been

taken home except for him. As Elisa held him tight on the way home, she had gushed about how much

more fun he would be than an elephant or a pig.

Elisa and Brandon put the finishing touches on their decorations and then left Chancy alone in the

barn. He wondered where they had gone, but he didn't have to wonder for long. The shouting and

laughing of many merry children preceded the arrival of the party.

The family had invited over 20 children to celebrate his birthday, his first birthday.

Susie was even wearing her favorite yellow dress with matching ribbons in her hair.

A large cake decorated with colorful frosted horses was placed on the table, and all the happy

children clapped their hands.

Chancy was confused when Elisa lit five candles.

He only needed one.

He would have corrected her, but she couldn't hear him.

...