Chapter 1

By the final week of October, the houses along Briarwood Lane used to compete with one another for who could make autumn linger the longest. Pumpkins sat on nearly every porch, their carved faces changing with the mood of the household that displayed them. Some grinned, some glowered, and a few looked as though they had regrets about existing at all. As time moved on, the quality of those carvings improved until they suddenly stopped.

As with all things, time continues to move, and little kids carve pumpkins and toss their “brains” about for a good time. As they get older, the thrill of pumpkin carving starts to wane, giving way to electronics or, on rare occasions, to meeting friends outside their home. The families enjoyed each other’s company, and as such, no one had moved from Briarwood Lane in nearly fifteen years. No new children that scream as they play down the street, or parents supervising while they play, to scream “CAR” when one wanders through. The newer, quieter lifestyle fits with the adults and their late-teen children.

This is where our story begins, as we introduce our main character, Sarah Whitaker. Sarah was the den mother for the scouts, an active member of their local PTA, and set up all the neighborhood activities to keep those families close together. When she heard that the only elderly couple on the street had lost their husband, and their children were placing their mother in a nursing home, she set up help to assist their children in packing and preparing their home for sale. This is what she expected of herself: to help her community.

As time goes on, things continue to change. Halloween moved from planned trick-or-treat routes to a street party for the kids to play, and finally to a get-together for the parents and soon-to-be adults. Sarah decided that this year, they were going to host a Halloween costume party. Some of the kids have already left for college, and others will be leaving soon. One last big party to celebrate their neighbors and give the kids some lasting memories. It also gave a chance to welcome the first new family to the neighborhood in a long time. That is where our story starts, as Sarah changes from loving mother to frenzied party host...

Sarah’s POV

So much to do, and so little time. I am working on ingredients for the BBQ chicken game dip in the slow cooker, while also watching the oven for the bread I put in earlier. Where are the kids? I could really use the help. Jacob was sent to get last-minute party snacks, and as usual, he is taking his time getting back. Ever since getting his driver’s license over the summer, he insists he can do any errand we need performed as long as it involves a car. Meanwhile, Emily has come down with a sour case of senioritis. She is now eighteen, and high school is holding her back from breaking free of home and experiencing the life her parents and school have prevented her from having. She is not texting, doing Snapchat, or whatever they call it, and talking constantly with her friends. She is vegging out and reading her phone in the corner. She was supposed to hang decorations in the living and dining rooms, but they are still sitting on the kitchen counter, slowly collecting dust.