I’m practicing my best “boo!” but the Shadows keep shushing me. “Too early,” they whisper, tugging curtains across the hall. Fine. I can wait. Mostly.
I set the scene anyway: a mirror that likes drama, a broom that squeaks on cue, and three dust bunnies in tiny capes. I line moonbeams on the floor like stepping-stones and tell them, “When I clap, jump!” They shimmer. Showoffs.
Countdown time. Ten… nine… oops, lost count because a beam tried to tickle my nose. I add a rule: no tickling the host. The broom nods (rude but fair). I tuck spare giggles under the stairs in case anyone forgets to laugh.
When the night finally strolls in with its big grin, I’m ready—eyes wide, grin bright. I don’t bite. I delight. The Shadows roll their eyes but smile anyway. That’s a win.