The rain felt acidic as it fell. Though I think it were just the day’s humidity.

I’d been out now, for some time, waiting for Vanni and Patrick. They were still changing into their costumes as I lodged myself between the front door and porch. I was eager to start the night. The drinks, the music, the girls. Halloween could never be missed. But my friends were taking too long.

My skeletal frame, who ironically was dressed as a skeleton, wouldn’t last much longer as a door stopper. My feet began to shift as the wind became a bully. Then the door shut behind me and I was locked out of the house.

Banished into the sour rain. I banged on the door. Cursed at my idiot friends. Then felt colder. Though it wasn’t because I were now soaking wet.

Rather it was him.

Him staring at me.

White Caroline button eyes. Matching pale skin. A hunchback of insecurity. He was the creepiest thing I’d seen all night. But the butterfly that found refuge on his hand hadn’t cared, rather thanked him for his shelter.

Then he smiled at me, and offered his umbrella to share.