Chapter 1: John's Story

I am your typical college student. I get some money from my parents, but I basically live day to day, trying to make the money last, until my next payday. As a result, I am very selfish in how I spend what money I have. So, when I walked up on an old lady, shivering in the alley, I was conflicted. I really wanted to help her in some way, but I sure as Hell didn’t want to spend all of my drinking money, especially on Halloween. This is one of the biggest party days of the year at my college. But she looks so weak and vulnerable, here on the street.

My better nature won out, so I approached her and asked her, “Do you have some place to go? It is cold out here today, and it will be even colder tonight. I don’t have a lot of money, but you can have what I’ve got.” I open my wallet and pull out two twenties. I hesitate as I see that this will leave me only a five and 2 ones. I think to myself, “At least I have the credit card, my parents gave me for emergencies. I am sure they will understand if I need to use it because I am helping someone in need. With that thought in my head, I take out all of the money and reach down, to hand it to her.

To my surprise, she stops me, saying, “You are a good person. I have been sitting here shivering since last night, and you are the fist person to even acknowledge me, let alone offer help.” As she is telling me this, she seems to change before my eyes. As she stands, she seems younger, healthier. Her pale color seems to pink up and I see a light in her eyes, whereas before, there was a dead hollowness.

Then she tells me something that makes me question her sanity. She tells me, “I am a witch from a local coven. We usually keep a low profile, and do not let outsiders see what we are capable of. However, on Halloween, we give the world small glimpses of our world. Because of your selfless generosity, I will reward you with such a glimpse. On this day that is holy to us, I can grant you one wish. It can be anything your heart desires. But be very careful, because your wish may be rewarding to you, but be costly to someone else in return.”

I try to hide it, but I am sure she can see that I am trying to not show on my face, how crazy I think she is. I figure my best option is to break contact and get away as quickly as possible. I tell her, “That is real nice of you, but I am just glad you are OK. I need to be going, though.”

She grabs my arm with a hand that is much stronger than I imagined it would be. She tells me in a serious voice, “I know you don’t believe me. I can see it in your eyes. But that doesn’t matter. The spell is cast, so be very careful. From this point until midnight tonight, anything you wish, will come true. Even if something briefly crosses your mind, it will come true.” Then she turns and walks away, without another word.

As I stand there stunned, I think to myself, “That is crazy ... She is crazy ... right? Yes, we have all these stories and myths about Halloween, but that is all just stuff parents make up to scare kids and sell movies, right? There is no way something like that could be real. I mean how could something like THAT go on so long without everybody knowing?” I shake my head and decide it can’t be real, so why think too much about it. What I am thinking bout though, is that I still have 47 dollars to spend on beer and snacks. I also have the big Halloween party at the Fraternity tonight. Now THAT is something to think about.