Without A Trick Or Treat

It was Halloween night and all around the lonely glen branches of trees were getting a battering from the wild wind . In the middle of the Glen Limegrove Cottage stood firm to its foundation as the wind rattled the shutters and tossed the hay from the thatched roof .
Inside sat Beelo Bigot the butcher with his very fit hunting dog Shannon .
Beelo and Shannon were warming their bones before the open hearth fire .
The flames gave an impression of these long streaky fingers dancing above the embers and on the wall of the cottage shadows danced to the half light of the blazing fire .

“Come on Shannon , it’s time you where out . “
Said Beelo .

He opened up the back door of the cottage and reluctantly Shannon crept slowly out into the back garden .

Beelo took an old photo album from a shelf on the bookcase and sat down in his chair turning over the pages , rocking back and forward every now and then . A few tears rolled down his face as he flicked through memories of his life . He stopped at a photo of Maggie his childhood sweetheart .
They were to be married in the spring many years ago but a tragic accident prevented the two from wedlock .
One evening there had in a wild storm and a tree was blown down on top of her house . Maggie was killed instantly .
Since her death Beelo locked himself away like a hermit . He never spoke to any one ever again .It was as if he had died as well .

As he looked at the photo of her , a knock came to the front door of the cottage . As usuak Beelo ignored the knock . But the knocking persisted .

Beelo jumped to his feet and opened up the door .

Standing there were four school aged children dressed up with black capes and gowns .

“Trick or treat Mister .
They said .

Beelo grunted ,
“Leave me alone . There’s nothing for you here .”

‘Do you mean to tell us that you don’t eve have a piece of cake or a couple of peanuts . Then Beelo remember Shannon out the back and called him to come . The dog raced around the front of the cottage and chased off the four children .Beelo returned to his chair and sat down in front of the fire .

Suddenly a fire was lit in the middle of the floor. A strange sound echoed around the cottage like lightening crackling . Strange things were happening in different parts of the cottage . Pots were falling to the floor . Cupboard doors were opening up by themselves and the electric went off . Beelo got up and started tp look for some candles . He pulled open drawer after drawer until he found what he was looking for .
Beelo lit a few candles and placed them in various places around the room .

It had been a long day and Beelo was getting sleepy . It wasn’t long until he drifted off to sleep in front of the fire .

“Wake up Beelo . “
Said a voice in the room .

Beelo stirred in his sleep .
The voice now screamed ,

“Beelo ,wake up blast you .“

Beelo recognised it as Maggie’s voice and opened his eyes .

“Maggie is that you ?.“

Beelo said .

“Listen Beelo I’ve been allowed one night t return to the living .“

“Where are you Maggie ?“

Beelo asked .

“I’m at the front door .“

Came the reply .

Beelo rushed to the door and opened it to find his darling Maggie standing there .
She had the most beautiful smile on her face and opened her arms and said .

“Beelo . Come and follow me .“

The apparition walked away from the house with Beelo close behind .

Down at the end of the path Beelo realised that his cottage was on fire .
He turned around and saw the flames leaping from the roof .
Then he remembered his sweetheart but when he looked back Maggie was gone . She had disappeared .
He knew then that Maggie had somehow managed to save his life .

Shannon came running to his side and they both walked into the village .
After that day he decided to make a fresh start in life .
Without any where to live he took on a job at the hotel and in return got free board and lodgings .

After a little while he met Goldie the greengrocers daughter and fell in love .
The years went by and Bigots had a large family .
Every year at Halloween Beelo remembered the night that changed his life .
He also remembered how mean he had been to the four children who had come knocking to his cottage door . So each year Beelo threw a party in the family home for anyone who wanted to come . There was a place for everyone with games to be played and songs to be sung and tricks or treats to be had .

By Paul McCann