Willowy cobwebs hung low from the porch rafters. Perched on the back of the extra-long white porch swing were three large, beady eyed black crows. Several hairy, black spiders adorned the window and door. The front of the two story old Victoria house looked like it had been abandoned for years.

Just before sunset a green light came on from underneath the porch casting somber, moldy shadows thru the cracks and crevices in the old wood. A Beware sign hung crooked on the porch post. In the partially open second story window above the porch a dark shadow could be seen behind sheer white curtains. Repeated, the shadow's arm, with what looked to be a large butcher knife in its hand, raised above its head and in a swift motion it came down. Every time the arm came down a sharp, spine-chilling scream could be heard from the street.

The inside of the house was dark except for a low flame in the fireplace. The piercing chime of the doorbell echoed throughout the darkness. Soon a hunched figure slowly made its way to the front door. It was dragging its left leg behind its body. A black, hooded cloak covered what appeared to be a large hump on its back. Finally it reached the front door and opened it slowly.

"TRICK OR TREAT!" A gaggle of small children in costumes ranging from a fairy princess to a super hero screamed.

Elka, dressed as a hunchback, handed out candy and treats to each of the children. Halloween was always her favorite holiday. It was the one day when she could scare people and it not be frowned upon. But this year she had toned it down a bit.

Last year, Joy, Melanie and Victoria provided ample opportunities to scare and make fun of. But those three always knew how to throw a party where something wasn't taken out of context.

Elka slumped down onto the couch as she remembered the time Joy dressed as Ginger from Gilligan's Island and then got arrested for street walking. Oh what a sight that was to see, Melanie dressed just as trampy as MaryJo and Victoria as Mrs. Howell go to the police station to pick Joy up.

Another round of trick or treaters came to the door and Elka quickly gave them the candy they wanted. But none of it was cheering her up. The girls were gone. Max was back in Florida. Fred wouldn't take her calls. It was just her in this big old lonely house. Oh she put on a good front for the girls when they called but…she hadn't spoken to any of them in months.

They were busy. She knew that. But, dammit, she missed them. She had received an email from Joy back in the summer explaining her immigration issues. As much as Elka picked on Joy, she felt sorry for the lass. And just like that an idea popped into her head.

Elka put the bowl of candy on the front porch for the children to help themselves. She threw her cloak over the couch and made her way to the kitchen as fast she could. She couldn't believe she hadn't thought of this before. Elka smiled for the first time in months.

Rummaging in the back of a drawer, Elka pulled out the little black book she was searching for. It didn't take long for her to flip thru to the right page. This plan had to work, she thought as she dialed the number.

After a few rings someone picked up.

"Hello, Charlie? This is Elka. Wanna meet at Stormi's? I have a proposition for you." The wheels were turning in Elka's head. "Oh about 9?" Why hadn't she thought of this before? Maybe it's true that once you reach 90 your memory starts going. "I'll see you there. Order me a Harvey Wallbanger."

Elka walked out to her cottage to get ready. She hadn't spoken to Charlie in years and she really needed someone to talk to.

[I think this story is coming to an end soon.]