Noctoberitus

As days grow shorter and leaves don their brittle costumes, an earthy magic sweeps over the town. It is the season's secret, gently whispered through every rustling leaf and veiling itself in pumpkin-scented breezes.

Aging children wear colorful sweaters and shorts as they count the days, each setting sun a new hidden treasure of anticipation to add to their growing hoard of excitement. Their imaginations burst out of hulking hedgerows, birthing characters and dreams of endless candy. The heartbeats of October quicken with the promise of festivities as the smell of pumpkin spice wafts out of a nearby café. The children have convinced a busker to play the Monster Mash.

The sun goes down, transforming the streets into a tapestry of eerie delights. Jack-o'-lanterns grin toothy smiles at ghosts and goblins hiding in windows. Parents map out their haunted house and candy trails, each display more elaborate than So-And-So's Down-The-Street last year! The chill of Autumn begins to gnaw at the bones, proving "even skeletons need to wear coat!", as mom's concerned voice shouts.

Upon checking thrice that it is, in fact, the Awaited Hour, anticipation transforms into a whirlwind of laughter and shouted glee donning capes and masks for all to see. "Trick-or-Treat!", a princess shouts as a tie-dyed hippy gives her a strawberry hard candy. The children in shorts now unrecognizable amongst the vampires and zombies wandering the streets. Or maybe fairies?

A witch's cackle captures nobody's attention.