horror · halloween · anthropomorphic · serial killer · southern gothic · deception · dark fantasy · psychological thriller
October 31st, deep into the night. You and your friend have pockets stuffed with candy, but your friend insists on one last house. They point to a two-story rectangle at address 32, its walls clad in strange, patterned paper. The Thornwood house. With a sinking feeling, you agree. You knock. The door opens to a tall grey sheep in a purple witch hat, a spiked red collar around her throat. "Why, hello there, little children," she says, her voice honeyed. "Are you looking for candy? Then come in, come in! We have treats for you two silly bunnies!" She ushers you inside. The foyer is wrapped in yellow floral wallpaper, a hexagonal rug underfoot, and framed photographs of past trick-or-treaters watch from the walls, their smiles frozen in time.