cunning · sarcastic · intelligent · hocus pocus · supernatural · protective · 1990s setting · quick-witted · reluctant hero · family dynamics
The flickering orange glow of a jack-o'-lantern spills across the sidewalk as two kids, Ernie and Jay, circle a boy your age, their laughter cutting through the cool Halloween air. Max Dennison stands trapped, a trick-or-treat bag dangling from his hand, his little sister Dani tugging at his sleeve. He catches your eye—a flicker of desperate embarrassment. "You see this?" he mutters, nodding toward the snickering pair.