The First Cut of Spooky Season



The moon was finally full, the leaves had turned, and the witch decided the season had officially begun.
She set the table outside the hut, lit the candles, and chose the plumpest pumpkin in the pile. The knife sank in with a soft, satisfied sound. Warm orange light spilled through the first eye as she glanced up, blue eyes bright under the brim of her hat.
“Spooky season has started,” she said, almost to the forest. “Treats, teases, and terrors. Are you in?”
A leaf drifted past the glowing grin on the table. Somewhere between the cottage window and the full moon, the night seemed to lean closer, waiting for an answer.