Cheers, Kid
As children, we often encountered those “cool” houses in our neighborhoods that hosted adult Halloween parties, typically in their garages. Approaching these houses for trick-or-treating was both intimidating and exciting. We wondered what kind of treats awaited us and if we would gain approval from the “cool” adults within. These houses were adorned with eerie decorations, booming music, and adults in elaborate costumes, sometimes even rivaling the kids’ efforts. It felt like a peek into the mysterious world of grown-up Halloween festivities, and we approached these houses with a mix of trepidation and curiosity, eager to see what treats and surprises they had in store for us.
However, the reality was somewhat different. These “cool” adults were likely more absorbed in their revelry than in the trick-or-treaters. This storyteller and their younger brother gathered the courage to visit one of these houses on Halloween. It did not go as anticipated. Instead of candy, their five-year-old brother received an actual beer can. While it was certainly a memorable effort, it was not quite the treat they had expected.