Bartholomew "Bash" Buttercup was NOT excited for Halloween. "Costumes are itchy!" he'd moan. "And trick-or-treating? Too much walking!"
"But Bash," his mom would say, her voice like warm honey, "Halloween is a night for magic!" Bash would just grumble and cross his arms.
This year, Halloween night was electric! The air crackled with excitement and the moon wore a mischievous grin. Bash, however, dragged his feet, his costume rustling like dry leaves.
"Look at you, a sulking ghost!" chuckled a voice. It was Granny Glitters, her eyes twinkling like the stars sewn on her witch's hat.
"It's not a ghost, Granny, it's a grumpy cloud," mumbled Bash, clutching his pillowcase for candy.
Granny Glitters winked. "Well, maybe this will lift your spirits!" She pulled out a tiny, shimmering box. Inside, nestled on velvet, was a glowing purple button.
"A button?" Bash raised an eyebrow. "It's the Halloween Switch-a-Roo!" Granny Glitters announced. "Press it, make a wish, and see what Halloween magic unfolds!"
Bash hesitated, then shrugged. What did he have to lose? He poked the button. ZAP! The world dissolved into a dizzying swirl of orange and black.
When the spinning stopped, Bash gasped. He was surrounded by friendly monsters! A fluffy, blue one offered him candy from a cauldron. "Trick or treat!" it boomed.
Next to him, a giggling goblin, no bigger than a pumpkin, offered him a spooky spider lollipop. "Want to ride on my broomstick?" it squeaked.
Suddenly, Halloween wasn't itchy or tiring. It was an adventure! Bash filled his pillowcase with treats, laughed with the monsters, and even rode the goblin's broomstick!
As the night ended, Bash found himself back home, the purple button warm in his hand. He hugged Granny Glitters goodnight. "Best. Halloween. Ever!" he exclaimed.
From then on, Bash looked forward to Halloween. He realized that magic wasn't just about costumes or candy; it was about opening your heart to the wonder and joy of the unexpected!
Reflection Questions