Many thanks to neuroparenthetical, who edited this story.

It’s Halloween again. The street is busy with rowdy kids running around in their costumes. I watch the show from the lawn in front of my house. It brings back memories of my childhood, of kids growing up.

There’s a girl coming down the street, a pretty young woman who’s walking my way. She must be a party goer, her outfit looks too festive. Yellow dress covered with black motifs, black round shoes, black stockings, black hair. Cute little jacket.

Then again, all the stuff is too well cut and made. Regular halloween costumes are cheap fittings that can only be worn for a few hours.

“Hello there” I say as she passes by.

She raises her right hand, barely to her elbow and wiggles her fingers.

Girls these days!

I wonder who she is, pretty as she is.

She passes by. My eyes follow.

Later that day, I drive my truck back home after picking groceries. I see that same pretty girl again, hanging out all by herself. What’s she doing?

Just two blocks from my street, there’s a little park. No more than an open area with a few trees, some park toys and a couple of benches. She is sitting on the back rest of one, with her feet planted on the sitting area.

As I drive by I wonder Why not? What’s the harm in saying ‘Hi’? I circle back, park the truck across the street from the park and walk to the stranger.

“Good evening.” I say.

She smiles, but does not answer.

“I saw you earlier, I’m Mark Brown. My house is the long, white one on the street you were walking down earlier, the one with the large spruce tree in front.”

“I’m your neighbor.” she says neutrally. “I’m a Robinson.”

The Robinsons live just two houses down the street from my place. She must be a visiting relative.

“Are you visiting?”

“Umh, no. I live here.”

“Really? Why haven’t I seen you before?”

“I’m Josh, Mr. Brown. You know me.”

“John? Why the heck are you dressed like this!?”

“Halloween, sir? Everybody wears a costume.”

“Oh, I see it now. So you decided to dress up as a girl.”

“Yeah, that was the general idea.”

Something tells me it’s not that.

“Better come to my place before you get recognized. Some folks might take it the wrong way. And hanging out all by yourself in the park? Dressed like that? You know it’s dangerous.”

“I suppose you’re right, Mr. Brown. Wait. Are you alone tonight? I don’t want to be recognized.”

“Wife’s visiting a friend.”

Sonja -- that’s my wife’s name. She’s fifty six, four years younger than I am. We get along just fine, but love left the nest a long time ago. She lost her shape early on, and I lost interest. There had been no love making for the last decade.

Back at the house, I lead her in.

“You look like a real girl. Great job with the costume.”

“Umh, thank you, Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown?”

“What is it?”

“Please don’t tell my parents. I mean, it won’t be the end of the world if they find out. They won’t throw me out or anything, but I think they’ll freak out.”

“No worries.” I say lightheartedly. “Your secret dies with me”

He sits on a large chest on a small passageway between living and the kitchen.

“Are you cold or anything?” I ask. I sit in front of him, studying him closely. He’s pretty as a girl and sweet as a girl. Not saying he looks like a girl, though his figure is soft and feminine.