It was the first Halloween without her husband, and Kate was determined to make it memorable for her daughter, Holly, hoping it would lift her spirits. In the crisp autumn air, Kate decorated their yard with everything Halloween — plastic bats, flickering pumpkins, and fake cobwebs — all while little Holly, who didn’t quite grasp the spooky theme, carefully arranged her favorite pink dolls and fluffy teddy bear right beside the jack-o’-lanterns.
“Honey,” Kate said with a gentle smile, “Halloween’s supposed to be a bit spooky, not cute.” But Holly, only five, just tilted her head, still clutching her teddy bear. “Why does it have to be spooky, Mommy?” she asked innocently. After a soft chuckle, Kate knelt down. “It’s just how Halloween is,” she explained. “We dress up and pretend to be scary, all for fun. But maybe a little cute won’t hurt.”
Excited, Holly suddenly lit up. “Mommy, can I wear the costume Daddy made me last year?” she asked, her eyes bright. Kate’s smile faltered as memories of Carl’s disappearance came rushing back, but she quickly regained composure. “Not this year, sweetheart. Let’s make a new one together, okay?” Holly, a bit disappointed but understanding, nodded.
Later that evening, Kate helped Holly into her new costume, tugging the hood just right as her daughter bounced with anticipation, ready to join her friends. “Have fun and stay safe, okay?” Kate called after her as Holly dashed off with a grin, her laughter melting some of Kate’s worry. Watching her daughter vanish into the night’s festivities brought Kate a brief, soothing sense of normalcy.
Not long after, as trick-or-treaters arrived at her door, Kate greeted them with candy and smiles, her spirits lifting with each costume and giggle. Then, among the children, one little girl’s costume froze Kate in place. The design, the intricate details, the familiar fabric — it was just like the costumes Carl had once made. Kate’s heart skipped a beat as she managed a trembling smile. “Where did you get your costume, sweetie?” she asked.
The little girl beamed. “My dad made it!” she replied proudly. Kate’s pulse quickened. “Could you…show me where your house is?” she asked, struggling to keep her voice steady. The girl nodded eagerly, leading Kate a few streets away. At the doorstep, Kate’s breath caught. There, handing out candy, stood Carl — alive.
For a moment, their eyes met, both filled with shock and a flood of memories. “Hi,” Kate whispered. “Hi,” he replied softly. Words felt heavy, but the silence spoke more than they could. Then he sighed. “I’m sorry, Kate. I didn’t know how to tell you the truth.”
Trembling, Kate found her voice. “What truth, Carl?” He looked away, guilt etched across his face. “I met someone else. Her name is Rachel,” he confessed. The little girl, she’s like family to me now.” His words cut deep, but Kate held back her tears, her voice barely above a whisper. “And what about Holly and me? We’re your family too.” Carl looked down, his remorse evident. “I couldn’t live in two worlds anymore, Kate. I had to choose.”
The weight of his words crushed her, but somehow, Kate managed to hold steady. “Then be happy, Carl. That’s all you can do.” She turned and walked away, a heavy but resolute heart guiding her steps.
Back at her house, Holly’s laughter welcomed her, candy spilling from her bucket. Hugging her daughter, Kate realized that the life she shared with Holly was the one she’d keep close — a future she’d nurture without looking back.
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