My Short Short for the Day

Halloween was finally here and the fun would now begin. Ed was so excited he could barely stay focused. He turned his attention to the fuzzy little creatures in the box.

“Not much longer my friends.” He said with a smirk. “Then you'll all be free.”

He chuckled as he loaded the last of the boxes onto his truck. He drove down the quiet street looking at all the houses filled with laughter and anticipation. Soon it would be dark and the kids would start the trek around the neighborhood begging for candy.

He remembered the thrill he got each year, making his own costume since his family couldn't afford anything so frivolous. He also remembered how hurt and disappointed he was as his father refused to let him go. “No son of mine will go begging for anything.” He'd say before taking another gulp of beer.

Ed would walked back to his room and settle in front of the window, watching the other kids hurrying up to each door until their bags were almost overflowing. The next day at school the kids would talk about their costumes and how much candy they got. Eventually they would turn to him, point and laugh.

It was the same every year. He just accepted it. Until now. Now, things would be different. Starting with his father. Ed parked on the street in front of his old house. He could hear his father inside cussing up a storm. Nothing new. Ed walked up to the front door and opened it just enough to let several of his little fuzzy friends crawl inside. Then he closed the door and started to walk slowly back to his truck. It didn't take long, the little creatures were hungry and quick. The screams filled the air but no one paid much attention. There was always yelling and screaming coming from that house.

Ed smiled and went back to his truck. He drove all the way to the end of the street where it dead-ended. Then one by one he opened the boxes and set them on the ground. Soon the street and sidewalks were covered in a black moving mass. When he finished, Ed sat down on his truck and waited. Several minutes later the screams began. Soon, all that yummy candy would finally be his.