It's that time again! If you're not sure what I mean, check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website to learn more about the 10th Annual Halloweensie Writing Contest.
Here's one very short but spooky tale, with another vintage postcard to complement the reading.
The Jack o’ the Wood
Tellulah races home under the Halloween moon. A knotted root lifts, and she tumble-twists.
“Oof!”
Creeping vines tangle and trap her limbs.
Off the trail, a ghostlit pumpkin-head bobs . His skeleton frame, draped in scarecrow garb, click-clacks as he ambles toward her.
The Jack o’ the Wood bends. Tellulah shrinks as his brittle finger taps the leafy twigs about her face, a wood-sprite mask she’d made that day. Nodding, he waves a gnarled hand.
The clingy twine unwinds. She stands.
“Thanks."
Shadows slink closer, reaching.
Fire flickers in pumpkin-eyes ...
and Tellulah flies.