The tree swayed, creaking in the cold breath of autumn.

The three of us marched through scattered leaves,

hiking deeper into the inky darkness of Charmeth wood, just like when we were kids.

Hard to believe it's Halloween!

Eli muttered, pulling his jacket tighter around him.

It's freezing out! Jacob laughed, his voice low and booming.

This? This is nothing! Come visit me in Alaska sometime and I'll take you ice fishing!

Now that's real cold!

Years had passed, but Eli and Jacob were the same as ever. Always bickering, always arguing.

I walked ahead of them, leading them into the heart of the woods.

A small cooler was swinging in my grip. It felt heavy, almost too heavy.

But I made a promise to a friend that I'd see this through.

Takes you back, doesn't it?

Eli said, gesturing to the crowds of children we passed.

They were dressed up for Halloween as skeletons and ghosts.

They were ferried by smiling parents.

Each holding a jack-a-lantern filled with flickering candles, as per Charmeth tradition.

Careful! A young boy called to us.

The mice froze off tonight!

Thanks, buddy! Jacob replied with a thumbs up.

Then he lowered his voice so only Eli and I could hear and said,

we're counting on it.

...