The Halloween House

Written and Illustrated by Carol Moore

Inspired by and dedicated to John D. Barrett, Jr., Esq.

The Halloween House is big and old. I'm told that

on Halloween night things happen there.

Now Suzie's moved in--she's only 4--along with

her brother, her father and mother, and little
Picador. He's their dog. Well, maybe half a dog. He's
a Chihuahua, as small as they come.

Suzie's room is in the attic. It's no fun. With a high

ceiling, cold and gloomy, and shadows that run
halfway up the walls. Suzie hides under the blanket.
Picador too. Come on, he's no guard dog.
Suzie's mom bought her a bear. A teddy bear
named Teddy. He's big and fluffy and Suzie adores
him. "I love you so much" she says. Then she wraps
her arms around him, snuggling like a cat ready to
purr while Picador buries himself in all that fur.
The Halloween House's attic may be scary, but
Teddy's not. Around his neck he wears a blue scarf
with red polka dots. On his back paws are black
tennis shoes tied with lace and plenty of knots.
Something is silly about that teddy bear. He's got a
goofy smile from ear to ear. It's kind of lopsided and
sweet, although not quite complete. He was cheap
when Suzie's mom bought him at the Dollar Store.
But his smile is always there.
When scratching and squeaking come from the
walls,
Teddy smiles.
When clothes on the floor become strange figures
in piles,
Teddy smiles.
When an invisible spider's miles of cobweb fades

away in the morning,

Teddy smiles.