She knew Halloween would be especially sad, but still, she tried. She gave out candy and told the trick-or-treaters how cute or scary they looked, but it hurt her. After four groups of kids, she couldn't take anymore. She turned off her lights and locked up.
Later, after a restless nap, she peeked out her window and saw one small child in a Ninja Turtle costume standing out on the sidewalk, staring at her.
She broke down. "Oh, Evan."