Schroeder ran as fast as he could to the house he knew so well. This would definitely be a surprise visit, which was something he usually frowned upon. But this was an emergency.

He was gasping for air by the time he reached the doorstep and he wasted no time in ringing the doorbell. The wait was hard; far more difficult than waiting for Beethoven's birthday!

As he stood at the door, his heart pounded and he was so nervous that he considered going home. But he knew that once he got there, he'd only end up running right back.

The door opened unexpectedly.

"Oh, hello Schroeder. Did you come over to play?"

"Um, well I-."

"I'd love to do just that, but I'm writing a letter to the Great Pumpkin, and I think it's best if I do it in peace."

Schroeder resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his friend. Linus was forever talking about the Great Pumpkin. A figure that everyone knew was simply a figment of his imagination. But he really liked Linus and didn't want to hurt his feelings, no matter how ridiculous the idea of the Great Pumpkin was.

Even Lucy said-.

He swallowed hard as the familiar funny feeling returned to his stomach.

"Can I help you with something, Schroeder? I'm very busy." Linus was asking.

"A-actually Linus I didn't come to see you. I-I came to see Lucy." Schroeder spoke her name so quietly that Linus had to strain to her him.

And then Linus laughed... a lot.

"What's so funny?" Schroeder demanded, his hands crossed in front of his body.

Linus doubled over with laughter, kicking his feet in the air as he lay on his back.

"LINUS!" Schroeder yelled. "WHAT'S SO FUNNY?"

"I'm sorry, Schroeder. It sounded like you said that you came to see Lucy."
Schroeder's face burned with embarrassment and he grinned sheepishly. "I-I did. Is she home?"

"No, thank goodness. Lucy just doesn't understand the significance of the Great Pumpkin. No one believes that he's real, but especially her! Now if you'll excuse me, I must get back to my letter."

"Why are you writing to him now?" Schroeder asked. "Halloween isn't for months!"

Linus turned and looked at Schroeder in all seriousness. "When it comes to the Great Pumpkin, it doesn't pay to take chances!"

Growing impatient, Schroeder began to fidget. "So where is Lucy? I really need to find her. Tell me Linus! Please!"

"Sure Schroeder, I'll tell you where Lucy is." Linus said. "She's manning her psychiatric booth."

Schroeder smiled despite himself. "Great! Thanks Linus! You're a real pal!" With that he took off running. But he didn't get very far, for he heard Linus calling him. Anxiously he turned and walked back to where his friend stood. "Yes, Linus?"

"Why did you come to see Lucy?"

"Oh... well... I... she's at her psychiatric booth you say? Great! I need some advice, so if you'll excuse me, I'll just be on my-."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Schroeder." Linus warned. "Lucy's pretty crabby today."

"She is?"

"Yeah. Boy was she mad about not getting that home run!"

"Darn that Snoopy!" Schroeder mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Um, nothing Linus. Thanks for telling me where Lucy is! See you later!"

Once again he took off running determined to find Lucy.

He expected her to be crabby, as she was most of the time. But he had a feeling that she wouldn't be crabby for long. That is, if things worked out the way he planned.

He just hoped she liked surprises.