Holiday Spirit

Underneath a white bedsheet featuring two holes cut out for eyes Charlene tried to combat a confusing situation. Last year her Father played tag team partner in a trick or treat excursion throughout the neighborhood. Then overnight the grammar school student’s world was turned upside down. One moment there was an offering of life’s treats and in an instant a trick was played upon someone who was just starting to learn.

Holding a shivery themed bag decorated with gothic images the small but tough child left the mini mart with discounted sinful sweet packages.

“I have to make it look good when talking to Papa,” She stood her ground not allowing the evil manipulator to take any more than it already had this year.

Crossing the street where the cemetery entrance welcomed visitors with an eerie interpretive message, “welcome come in, we are always here.” Charlene fluffed her hair before removing the white mask that was complementary when buying holiday prepared linens. Then adjusting the glasses which created good vision to observe right answers she entered the cryptic compound. Knowing exactly the address to the marker the youngster pranced through all the plots for people who had long winded stories. Granted most were publishable contributions to society and were giving a final respectable display in the newspaper’s obituary section.

Finally arriving taking time to reflect about the inscription meaning, “Charlene’s Loving Father-John Hogarth RIP All Souls Day” the visiting family member took a seat on the green turf and pulled out multicolored shelled chocolates. Not allowing them to melt in her mouth the fifth grader started the conversation.

“Halloween has been cancelled, there is no trick or treating, due to that virus thing,” a whisper was interjected to explain what happened, “I miss you and how you made our candy collection from the subjects special.”

Last Halloween John Hogarth dressed up as a King and Charlene agreed to be the Princess to celebrate the frightful occasion visiting each house ringing doorbells. When someone opened, they both screamed magical words in the holiday tradition. All the sweets went to King John’s daughter Princess Charlene including the offering made by the lady who lived in the last house on the left. “Boy were those Carmel apples good,” Charlene remembered.

But death’s cold hand decided to slap Charlene’s happy go lucky character in the face when John Hogarth did not wake up. There was no apparent reason except an eternal resting in peace glow instigating chaos in Charlene’s elementary world.

Family, friends, and strangers invaded her sanctuary called home. Forced to dig in the heels the royal masquerade memories from all Hallows Eve kept coming back making Charlene’s attitude stronger reminding her anything upsetting can be dealt with properly.

Months later sitting indoors watching the snow melt Charlene used recess time to ponder horrific literature when the principal came in very calmly.

“We have to tell you all to go home,” was the serious message, “and stay at home, there is danger in the community.”

Listening and following instructions Charlene found herself sitting around not doing anything except going to school on the computer and watching television.

“Everything is fine,” Charlene notified Papa’s hard marble stone representing parental warm love

Suddenly there was a brisk wind air lifting the colorful leaves followed by an energized message. Nothing could be heard except the electrical advice explained in the growing intellectual mind.

“Your memories, traditions and honesty are great defenses that will defeat any resentful army,” the invisible dialogue howled, “also forgiveness is another weapon that will make the enemy falter.”

Later that night all the scary props were stored away until next year. Removing the simple costume Charlene headed into the bathroom to ponder the mirror’s reflection.

No longer wearing any external aides to help see the light since the brightness from above was enough, “I forgive you,” Charlene emotionally let out, “I forgive you. My daddy and I ruled last Halloween as King and Princess, nobody can ever deny that fact.”

Someone heard what Charlene professed and a second later Mrs. Hogarth stepped in with a hug. This Motherly action unleashed spiritual sparks from a holy ghost bringing resolution to a troubled conflict that wanted understanding.