Kevin had already spent days preparing for Halloween, helping his mom with her costume and decorating the family home alongside his dad. He couldn’t wait for Halloween night, eagerly imagining the pile of candy he would gather. But something kept bugging him—a house on his street had no decorations at all. Kevin couldn’t understand why anyone would skip Halloween, so he figured maybe they just needed help.

The entire neighborhood buzzed with excitement as Halloween drew near. Every yard seemed to be competing for the title of the scariest house. Jack-o’-lanterns lined the sidewalks, plastic skeletons hung from trees, and cobwebs covered porches. The air smelled like dry leaves and candy, and eleven-year-old Kevin soaked it all in with a racing heart.

Halloween was his favorite time of the year. It was a day to be anyone you wanted, and Kevin loved how the world transformed into something magical for just one night.

As he walked down the street, his eyes scanned the decorations at each house, admiring the spooky displays. But one house stood out, and not in a good way. Mrs. Kimbly’s home was completely dark—no pumpkins, no cobwebs, not even a simple skeleton. The sight made Kevin frown.

Mrs. Kimbly, the older lady who lived alone, had always been quiet. Kevin remembered mowing her lawn during the summer and shoveling snow from her driveway in the winter. She never said much beyond handing him his payment and disappearing back inside. But now, her undecorated house looked out of place in the festive neighborhood.

Why hadn’t she decorated for Halloween? Everyone else had. Kevin couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Halloween was supposed to be fun, and no one, especially someone who lived alone, should miss out.

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Determined, Kevin darted across the street and made his way to Mrs. Kimbly’s front door. He hesitated for a moment, then knocked. The sound echoed through the quiet house. After a long pause, the door creaked open, revealing Mrs. Kimbly’s stern face behind thick glasses.

“What do you want, Kevin?” she asked, her voice gruff.

Swallowing nervously, Kevin replied, “Hi, Mrs. Kimbly. I noticed your house isn’t decorated for Halloween, and I thought maybe you forgot. I could help you if you’d like.”

Her expression hardened. “I didn’t forget,” she snapped. “I don’t need any decorations, and I don’t need your help. Now, go away.” She moved to close the door.

Kevin’s heart sank, but he wasn’t ready to give up. “I could do it for free!” he quickly offered. “You wouldn’t even have to do anything.”

Mrs. Kimbly scowled. “No!” she barked, slamming the door shut.

Kevin stood there, stunned. How could someone hate Halloween so much? He knew that if the house stayed undecorated, it would become a target for pranks—kids might toilet paper her yard, and he didn’t want that to happen.

As he walked home, an idea began to take shape. He wasn’t ready to give up yet.

Back home, Kevin found his mom in the kitchen. “Mom, something weird happened,” he said as he sat down, explaining what had happened at Mrs. Kimbly’s house.

His mom’s face softened. “Maybe it’s best to leave her alone,” she suggested gently. “Sometimes people have reasons for what they do that we don’t understand.”

Kevin frowned. “But, Mom, I don’t think she’s really mad… I think she’s just sad. Halloween should be fun, and no one should feel left out.”

His mom smiled. “You have a kind heart, Kevin. But remember, sometimes people aren’t ready for help, even if they need it.”

Her words stuck with Kevin, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Mrs. Kimbly was lonely. Determined to brighten her Halloween, he gathered every decoration he could find the next day—colorful lights, plastic spiders, and even his favorite carved pumpkin. If it would make her smile, he was willing to part with it.

Kevin packed everything into a wagon and headed to her house. He worked quickly, hanging lights and arranging pumpkins. The house was slowly transforming. But just as he finished placing the last pumpkin, the door burst open.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Mrs. Kimbly stormed out, her face red with anger. “I told you not to decorate my house!”

Kevin’s heart raced. “I just wanted to help,” he said quietly. “It’s Halloween…”

Before he could say more, Mrs. Kimbly grabbed the nearest pumpkin—the one he had carved—and smashed it on the ground. The pieces scattered across the porch.

Kevin blinked back tears as he stared at the broken pumpkin. He had worked so hard on it, and now it was ruined. But more than that, he was hurt. Without saying a word, he turned and ran home.

That night, dressed as a vampire, Kevin couldn’t enjoy Halloween. His thoughts kept returning to Mrs. Kimbly’s dark house. Worried that kids might prank her, he headed back and sat on her porch, handing out candy to trick-or-treaters from his own bag.

Suddenly, the door opened. Startled, Kevin looked up to see Mrs. Kimbly. Her face was no longer angry.

“What are you doing here, Kevin?” she asked softly.

“I didn’t want anyone to mess with your house,” he said. “I thought I could help.”

She sighed and sat beside him. “I’m sorry for earlier,” she said, her voice filled with regret. “Halloween is hard for me. I don’t have any family, and it makes me feel alone.”

Kevin’s heart ached. “You don’t have to be alone,” he said. “You can celebrate with us.”

Mrs. Kimbly smiled for the first time in years, thanks to a boy who refused to give up.