On Halloween night I would advise you to be wary of strangers. In the movies a stranger always turns out to be crazy. But what about your best friend? Can you trust him?
The Good Deed
The branches of the trees reach out like long grasping fingers trying to pluck out my heart. The trees play games on Halloween but I ignore their sick antics. I love lying here under the trees, planning good deeds, and watching rescue teams try desperately to save someone.
There is more than tree branches to fear. There’s the river. Its cold dark waters keep calling me and inviting me to swim. But I suppose the river lures many people down its banks to take a quick dip. I’m too smart to fall for the river’s tricks. The current could drag someone down very quickly while he was struggling and gasping for breath. I can imagine it so clearly.
My friend always walks along here at night….about this time, too! How can he stand it? It’s so quiet. It’s even spookier when the clouds hide the moon’s face.
He always said that he wanted to die while he was happy. He wanted to go quickly, too, not a slow agonizing death. He told me today (when he said he was going to get married) that he was happier now than he’s ever been before. That’s why I picked tonight.
He did me a favor once. He shoved me out of the way of a speeding car. I never saw it coming, but he did! I was so proud he was my friend. Not many people would risk their lives for someone else. He was in the hospital for eight months. That’s the reason I’m doing him this favor.
I can hear his voice and he’s not alone. He’s with his fiancé and they’re talking about how they want to be together for the rest of their lives. She said it would be romantic if they died together.
I guess I can do that. I’ll change my plans to include her. They’re lost in love. They don’t even see me.
I’ll have the element of surprise. One quick shove and they’ll be in.
Now!
She went under fast. O, there she is again. He’s trying to save her. He’s calling for help. I can’t let him ruin things. I’ll help him go under. He’s a real friend. It’s worth it. The water’s cold!
He fought harder than I thought he would. I almost drowned. Next year my good deed will have to be better planned. I don’t want something to go wrong.