Victor was elbows-deep in his second pumpkin, scooping out guts and seeds with as much excitement as the kids surrounding him. He’d arrived three hours earlier to help set up, and was simply happy to have the event underway. With as much tragedy that had plagued the town as of late, everyone needed a little time to escape.
His dog was snoring loudly at his feet, only to roll over and begin warbling when someone approached their table. “Sorry, just a second,” Victor said apologetically, distracted with his stencil before finally looking up. “Hey, nice costume.”












