Surprise Sunday: The Witch’s Cauldron
The Halloween display at the local supermarket had been the talk of the town all week. Mary had to see it for herself.
The Halloween display at the local supermarket had been the talk of the town all week. Mary had to see it for herself. After work on Friday, she set out to pick up a few things for a family dinner that following Sunday.
As she perused the aisles, she wondered where the display could be located. The market was only so big.
She noticed an employee stocking canned goods.
“Excuse me,” she asked. She noticed the nametag on the employee’s green vest. Victor. “Victor. Could you point me toward the Halloween display everyone is talking about?”
Victor stood up and stretched his lower back.
“You’re close,” he replied. He couldn’t be more than a year older than Mary. He’d slicked back his dark brown hair, some of which still hung over his ears. “But are you sure you’re ready?”
“I’m plenty sure. At least I think. Is it really scary?”
“I haven’t slept since I helped set it up.”
“Is that true?”
“Well, not technically. It adds to the suspense, though. Doesn’t it?”
Mary grinned.
“I suppose it does,” she replied. “Where is it?”
“I’ll show you. Follow me.”
Mary followed behind Victor. They walked two rows over and toward a section of the store that was blocked off with large red curtains, the kind you’d see in a stage play.
“Ready?” he asked.
Mary nodded.
“In you go.”
“Won’t you come with me?”
Victor looked around, perhaps looking for his boss.
“I suppose I can. Let’s go.”
“Take my hand,” said Mary. She pushed her cart to the side of the aisle and reached for Victor’s hand.
Victor pushed the curtain aside, and they entered together. There were flickering lights and various jack-o’-lanterns along the wall, each fitted with a different color faux flame. As they walked, Mary noticed a puppet witch stirring a smoking cauldron.
“This is too cute,” said Mary.
Victor’s grip tightened on her hand.
They turned a corner, the whole display appearing to be a loop back to the aisle of the store they’d entered, and a loud thundering crack caught Mary by surprise. She placed her other hand on Victor’s shoulder, her body pressed against his.
“Sorry,” she said.
“No worries,” he replied. “No matter how many times I walk through here, I never seem to be ready for it.”
She took a step back and let go of his hand. He reached out for it. There was still more to go before they’d reach the exit.
She placed her hand into his.
“Think we have what it takes to make it out of here?” he asked.
“As long as we’re together,” she replied.
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