Halloween Witch

by Lee Mandel
(Centereach, NY USA)

"Trick or treat!"

Silhouetted by the light of the tea-stained moon, I hovered like a black crow, circling down through the rooftops for a closer look.

Clusters of children zipped from door to door chanting for candy. Some were monsters, others ghouls, even a sunflower. But the one I had my eye on was the witch.

Wearing a midnight-colored dress, she carried a yellow-bristled broomstick. One orange and black-stripped sock slouched toward her square-toed shoes. The point on her hat tipped to the left, not at all right for a witch. I'll teach her.

They crossed the street. I swooped down and collected my prize. Before she realized what happened, she was on my broom, kicking and trying to break free. I held her close until we reached the castle.

Upon landing, I checked to make sure she wasn't damaged.

"You kidnapped me?"

"I'll teach you how to be a proper witch. You'll be the best."

Her face twisted with confusion.

"You are a witch, aren't you?" I asked.

"I'm not a witch. I'm a kid dressed like a witch for Halloween."

"No matter. You'll still be the best when I'm done with you."

"No!" she yelled. "I only want the candy. Take me home immediately."

"You don't want to be a witch?" I made a terrible mistake.

No, I don't want to be a witch, but I'll be your friend. I'm Amanda. If you visit me tomorrow, I'll share my Halloween candy with you."

I offered a crooked smile. "Alright. I'll take you home."

We hopped back onto my broom and I took her home.

Before re-joining her friends, she hugged me.

The following day, I went back to visit Amanda. As promised, she shared her candy, and I taught her how to cackle, like a real witch should.

Comments for Halloween Witch

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Sep 11, 2011
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Great story Lee!
by: Anonymous

This would be a great story to read to children who might be frightened about seeing "scary" characters on Halloween night.

Sep 01, 2011
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I enjoyed it!
by: Val

A touching little story about a kid, a witch and companionship. Thanks for sharing!

Aug 30, 2011
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Great Job
by: Anonymous

I loved this story, and with Halloween just around the corner, I'm sure there will be tons of children who will love to read it.

Nicely done.

---Anonymous

Aug 22, 2011
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Great job
by: Jill

Great story. It had a great hook. I immediately was interested and wanted to know what would happen next. I could definitely see me reading it to a young child around Halloween. Great job!

Aug 22, 2011
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Outstanding
by: JM

This is great. Keep up the great storytelling!!!

Aug 21, 2011
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Halloween Witch
by: Lori S.

Lee:
This is a fabulously written short story, but I didn't expect anything less from a talented writer like you. keep up the good work.
Love Ya, Lori

Aug 21, 2011
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awesome!!
by: erica scarangella

Great job Lee you are a truely talented writer!!!!!

Aug 21, 2011
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Witch Rules!
by: Just Janis

Love the story... especially the witch rules. Proper way to be a witch, indeed! Also loved the tea-stained moon. What a great mental picture! Afraid there's no such word as "alright" in the English language, though. Still, it was a seriously cool story, and I'd love to vote for it. Could someone just tell me how?

Aug 20, 2011
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Here's My Vote
by: Sharon

Cute story, Lee! I loved the descriptions in your opening paragraphs,especially tea-stained moon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you win.

Aug 19, 2011
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Witchly Creative!
by: Anonymous

Love this idea! and your descriptive writing ("tea-stained moon"). What a funny concept!

Aug 18, 2011
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HALLOWEEN WITCH
by: Anonymous

Started a little scary, but cute Halloween story. Tight concept. Glad Amanda shared her candy. Lee Mandel has talent.

EATERY

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