It was a long time ago, longer now than it seems, in a place that perhaps you've seen

in your dreams.

For the story that you were about to be told took place in the holiday worlds of old.

Now you've probably wondered where holidays come from. If you haven't, I'd say, it's time you begun.

It was Halloween night.

I could hear the opening lyrics to that Burton classic as soon as I stepped on Rylan Aldrich's front porch.

I had just been dropped off by my parents at the front gate of his community and was sure

I was underdressed as a ninja.

A nearby mummy decoration popped up from its candied display and cackled, giving me a

healthy jump scare when I rang the doorbell.

It was going to be a good night.

He opened the door with a comb of his hair and half

of it streaked with white dye, fake fangs in his mouth and a bit of goop dripping from his lips.

"'Deck, you're early!' I was just getting ready,' he said waving me in. The decorations were a bit

more toned down inside. Little jack-o-lantern light strung up in odd places.

Fume, skull candles.

The TV was blaring some old classic monster movie, and he reached for the remote before tossing it to me.

Make yourself comfortable. I gotta get the stupid dye cooperate.

Thanks.

I hope it's not too early.

We were supposed to go pick up Jesse, but our plans got

canceled. I told him as he went back to his small hallway bathroom. Oh, that sucks. She won't make it,

...