This is the time of year, on these crisp October nights, when the line between what is real and what isn’t becomes blurred. Walking after dark along leaf scattered sidewalks, the skeletons of bare trees silhouetted against the inky sky, it’s easy to see things, hear things-believe in things that make the blood run cold.
Another October, long ago, my friend Veronica and I decided to walk the dozen or so blocks from our dorm to the downtown cinema to see the late showing of the classic film “An American Werewolf in London.” It was after midnight when we left the theater and headed out into the black and windy full-moon night.
Somewhere, close by, something howled…
And we RAN!
Sure, deep down, we knew it was only a dog. But it was just so much more thrilling to terrify ourselves by imagining an explanation far more sinister.
That frightful feeling, I must confess, is what makes these October walks after dark so much fun. It’s the perfect kind of being scared. The safe kind. And it’s also realizing that you don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the spine chilling magic of the Halloween season.
I wrote this 4 or 5 years ago. I still like going on those late night October walks.
I love the feeling of it all too. I love re-living the fun of it with my son when all the cartoons start being Halloween cartoons right now.
ReplyDeleteKristy-that is so true! Kids make holidays more fun:) Here's wishing you a Happy Halloween with your son!
DeleteAh, carefree days where imagination ran with the wind! Lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace! It's fun to let imagination run wild some times;)
DeleteA grade nine teacher convinced our class he believed in Werewolves - 50 years ago when it was never discussed! To this day, I live with a sense of, "you never know". The rascal!!
ReplyDeleteRascal indeed, souldipper! It's so true how much we still believe what teachers tell us, even when we sort of figure out things otherwise. My 4th grade teacher loved to tell tall tales, and how I loved her for it!
DeleteOh I go on October day walks you are much braver than I:) You have always been a talented writer I see. Hug B
ReplyDeleteB-how I wish we could stroll together:) Hugs!
DeleteYou definitely, set the mood in the first paragraph, Valerie. It did remind me of my early years when being frightened was part of the fun. It's amazing the lengths kids will go to just to create a fearful situation. That's why kids and adults alike love Halloween.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dee! And I agree!! Sometimes it truly is fun to believe we are scared out of our minds!
DeleteThat is such an energizing feeling! I know exactly how you felt :) Such a fun piece!
ReplyDeleteTammy-energizing is exactly the feeling! I think chilly October nights are perfect for that too:) Thanks for your comment, my friend!
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