She stood at the door, blonde, cute as a button.  She was wearing a mask and a princess gown, bejeweled tiara and holding a scepture.  She was also holding a trick or treat bag.  her father a few steps to her rear.

Suddenly this white-faced, slicked back hair man with a long flowing care and fangs opened the door and growled “Bwahahahaha.  A trick, please”.

She just stood there, frozen.  Her face, smiley and happy changed.  Her lips curled turned downward and a tear ran down her face.  She was petrified.

OMG, I just scared a three-year-old.  My primary target was anyone in their teens like those who’ve been ringing the bell all evening.

I ruined Halloween for that little girl for the rest of her life.

She was the neighbor’s daughter and her name was Chloe.   She never darkened our doors again, even though my own daughters were not much older than she.  I know she was afraid of meeting that big bad monster again.  And I was that big bad monster.

The family moved away, but I sense that Halloween has never been the same for her.

I rue the day….