Halloween Payback Lessons | The Ink Well Fiction Prompt #141

Only a few stars can be seen glittering in the sky that night, with a wild cool breeze blowing the palm trees back and forth. The howling sound coming from the woods was livid as the children walked the streets in their regalia, visiting their friends.

Siju, a plump boy who was seen as a bully in school was one of the kids who was preparing for the Halloween marabout around town. His parents, Mr and Mrs Smiths had been very supportive in preparing Siju for this year's celebration. He was quite fortunate, unlike other kids in his class and around town who improvised, using fruits and leaves to design a costume for themselves. He walked proudly towards the quadrangle to meet other kids.

Grrrrh, which way is safer for a bully like you?

A voice from the nearby bush spoke as Siju walked the lonely path that led to the quadrangle, where all the children would be gathered that Halloween night.

Who are you? Are you trying to scare me?

Siju replied to the voice. He wasn't sure whether to wait or to run away from that place. In his indecision, he stood there without knowing what to do. The few stars in the sky disappeared and the wind intensified. What seemed like a great evening of celebration was turning into a rainy night for the kids.

James Superschoolnews

He looked up in the sky and beheld a dark cloud without a star, an indication that it was going to rain; the nearby bush with a strange voice calling on him and the quadrangle where his mind was fixed. Siju ran at the top of his heels toward the other kids and the bush followed him. When he saw that the supposed bush followed him, he ran more, his Batman cape flowing from behind him while he escaped into the woods.

Alone in the dark woods with a pile of standing bushes flocking around him, Siju became scared. He had heard about miniature that threatens children on Halloween nights, could this be one of such?

What do you want from me?

The little frightened boy queried. One of the standing bushes laughed hysterically and then replied to Siju:

You can be sure to live in another world, away from all your comfort.

He couldn't believe his ears. A lot of negative thoughts started pouring into his heart.

Could it be that my parents have offended some people who could be trying to pay them back and using me as the prey?

Siju started to develop pink cheeks in fear.

Let me go. I am just a simple fellow.

He shouted at the top of his voice but got a sharp reply:

You are going nowhere until you pay for all your crimes.

A feminine voice said from inside the bush.

Crime? What crime are you even talking about?

Siju replied while walking steadily, looking for a passage to escape the ambush of the standing bushes.

Many crimes. Bullying? All the candies you forcefully grabbed from Katherine is just one of your many crimes.

The Feminine voice replied. It dawned on Siju that this situation must be an alliance by his school mates against him. The other learners have complained about his unruly behavior because he is of plus size, he maltreats other learners.

I thought we were just having fun doing all that in school. Here are some candies, take them and let me go.

Siju said. This time, the bushes made a fence around him. The poor bully started to sweat profusely in the cold night. He considered apologizing but his pride got the better of him.

When they saw that they had made him realize how they felt about him and his bully antics, they paved the way for him to pass. Siju ran toward the quadrangle like a bird that had escaped from the snare. He panted for breath and promised never to be a bully to anyone again.

Ronê Ferreira

All the kids who had planned to frighten Siju pulled off the bush costume they wore and masked their faces in different Halloween attire to join other kids at the quadrangle.

Before the night was over, Siju sat all to himself, pondering on what had happened in the woods. To be a bully is not a good thing, he knew that all along, he just wanted to be respected for who he was.

While other children were busy exchanging gifts, especially candies, Siju watched from a distance. He was supposed to be happy in his Batman cape, which was about the most expensive attire worn that night.

He imagined how he had made other children unhappy and stoop up to beg for forgiveness.

Excuse me, guys.

Siju called the attention of everyone in the quadrangle. The children began to gather, hesitantly.

I know that I haven't been on my best behavior to you all. I have been a spoilt child and a bully but I have learned my lessons today. I promise to be a good friend to you all, forthwith.

It was such a touching short speech by Siju. The other kids rallied around him and gave him a warm hug.

The night became more fun and the sky lightened up with the appearance of a full moon and stars in the sky. Siju played away his sorrow and lightened up his fears, especially the soaking one that got to him during the chase in the woods.