The Story of Ro-Why-Where: Part 2

The Story of Ro-Why-Where: Part 2

Halloween had finally arrived, and fear was nowhere to be found that night.

Jack-o-lanterns glowed on every doorstep, and the children decorated the streets in colorful costumes.

Knowing that somebody was bound to say "trick" instead of "treat," Randy practiced his slick moves, shuffling down the street.

"My dad made me wear my coat over my costume... AGAIN," Edward grumbled.

As the two witches locked eyes, Nicholas exclaimed, "I love your dress, Nora!”

"Thanks!" she said. "And your makeup is amazing, Nicholas!”

"Mother says I get better at it every year!" he said proudly.

And away they went into the night, dressed up how they felt inside.

In the wee hours, past everybody's bedtime, Nicholas, Nora, and their schoolmates gathered near Grimstone Cemetery.

Nora, however, was distracted by a familiar voice on the wind:

“COME TO ME…"

While recounting their adventures, the sound of a creepy, creaky coffin echoed through the graveyard, and the children fell silent.

Suddenly, they realized that Nora had disappeared!

"Nora?!" they shouted as their eyes searched the darkness.

"There! She's heading up Grimstone Hill!"

CLOP, CLOP, CLOP! went Nora, following the mysterious voice, and the Creepy Creaky Coffin opened at her approach!

"Nora! Stop!" shouted her friends, going CLOP, CLOP, CLOP! in her footsteps.

CREAK, CREAK, CREAK! went the hungry coffin as Nora climbed inside.

As her friends drew near, a hideous skeleton appeared before them!

"He is real!! He's not pretend!!” shouted Thomas.

The spirits of the cemetery fearfully peered from behind their tombstones, with hope for Nora and the brave little warriors.

Ro-Why-Where stretched out his bony arms to close the lid!

"NO!! You can't have her!!" shouted Nicholas, as he jumped inside to push against the creature's strength.

Without hesitation, the children leapt into the coffin with Nora and Nicholas, piling so high that the lid could not close.

Together, with a mighty push, the hinges broke, and the coffin's lid—with Ro-Why-Where behind it—flew through the air and crashed to the ground.

Nora awoke from her trance, surrounded by friends who had risked their lives to save hers.

And, for the first time, Ro-Why-Where felt fear: for love was more powerful than evil that night.

With the first ray of dawn, the Winds of Change rushed through the graveyard and across the town like a hallowed protector. Ro-Why-Where's year to fulfill his prophecy had passed.

With none to take his place, the dust of his ancient bones turned to ash and swirled into the night sky, glowing like embers and blanketing the rooftops in stardust.

The nightmare had ended.

The Grimwood Concerned Parents Society happily closed its doors, and Halloween quickly became the town's favorite night of the year. 

All would gather at the graveyard to greet their loved ones past, every soul shining bright.

No longer afraid of the ancient one, the spirits soared through the town to join the festivities: trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples, counting candy, and sitting together in familiar living rooms...

Resting in peace.

(Grandma Ghost)

"Oh, goodnight, my darling child."

(Grandpa Ghost)

"Yes, I wonder how much she'll grow by next year?"

(Grandma Ghost)

"Until then."