Kevin had already helped his mom craft a costume and assisted his dad in decorating their house, eagerly imagining the mountain of candy he’d collect on Halloween night. Yet, something kept nagging at him—an undecorated house on his street. He couldn’t understand why anyone would skip celebrating, so he figured they must need help.

The neighborhood buzzed with excitement as Halloween approached. Every yard seemed to be trying to outdo the others for the title of “spookiest house.” Jack-o’-lanterns with jagged smiles lit up the sidewalks, plastic skeletons dangled from trees, and cobwebs clung to porches. The air smelled of dry leaves and candy, and eleven-year-old Kevin breathed it all in, his heart racing with excitement.