The rain trickles down my open umbrella. The air stings on my cheeks. What a delightful time of year. The children i walk by all smile and wave, I smile beneath my scarf and return the gesture. Halloween is my favorite time of year. The children aren’t afraid of me today, nor are the adults! I just enjoy my walk in the open air. Though it is overcast, this is the closest i get to feeling the sun all year. I come across a park bench and take a seat. What a beautiful day. A mother comes to sit next to me after depositing her little one at the playground. “Which one is yours?” She asks. “Oh miss, i am far too old to have children, all of mine have grown up and lived full lives now.”

“Oh,” She laughs, “I’m sorry, its hard to tell your age with your costume on.”

“Yes i suppose it would be.” I laugh as well. “I am too old for costumes as well.”

We sit, without another word for hours that seem like moments. The mother and her child left some time ago now. The rain has let up. The dusk transitioning to night, lanterns and pumpkins and little glow sticks illuminate the sidewalks. What a wonderful sight. I pull my scarf down below my chin, i want to feel the air. I want to absorb this moment. I hear a child crying, so i go to investigate. When i arrive at the source of the cries, i see a young girl, sitting on the ground, surrounded by a group older children. “You can’t trick or treat with us, your costume is dumb!” One of the boys says. “My Mom said your family is poor because they choose to be” says a little girl. One of them begins to throw candy at her and kick her, they become a mob. I approach the mass. “Excuse me children, isn’t it dangerous to be out here this late?” one child replies “eat shit old man, your next.” He and a few in his group turn to see me. One places a flashlight beam on my face, displaying my exposed teeth and jaw bone. Panic ensues in the group. “Zombie!” One child cries. The group vanishes into the night. The only one remaining is the little girl, still on the ground, still crying. “Now now my dear, they are all gone, you don’t have to worry about them any longer.” I reach out my hand, she takes it and stands. “Thank you mister,” she says, “what’s your name?”

Ah my name, it has been quite some time since anyone has asked me that. It brings me a sense of humanity I have not felt in quite some time. I relish the moment. The only ones that would know my name are long long gone, you see, My name is Samuel Hainn, and i died 122 years ago.