The school day had been a boring one. Mrs. Parker kept on telling the class that even though it was Halloween, the kids had to behave and, more importantly, that they had to pay attention and focus on the work. She said that there would be plenty of time to think about candy when the trick or treating began after school.

But even though she said this, the ever present feeling of excitement had descended upon Sara's class, and more importantly, all of the kids at school with all the subtle fury of a tornado. No less than three kids had been sent to the principal's office. Mrs. Parker kept on telling everyone to be quiet in class. But the kids just wouldn't listen. When the bell rang and everyone went to the school buses waiting in the parking lot, Sara saw to boys fighting, fists flying, mouths snapping and hurling curses at one another.

When she got home and went to her room, that strange buzz of Halloween was still in the air. Sara looked at her costume and decided what work would need to be done. There was only an hour or so before trick or treating would begin.