Autumn Townsend, a tenth grade student at the Town of Webb School, won  Honorable Mention honors for her entry in the Utica Observer Dispatch’s recent Halloween Writing Contest.

Autumn is the daughter of John and Misty Townsend of Inlet, and a student in Mike Cunningham’s English class.

“Autumn is an outstanding creative writer, and we hope she will continue to compete,” said Cunningham.

Her story follows:

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Suzy was excited. Her parents were going to a Halloween party and for the first time they were letting her stay home alone to babysit her little brother.

She was half afraid they’d change their minds; she tried to look responsible as they put their coats on by the front door. She put her arm around her little brother’s shoulders.

“OK, Suzy,” her dad said. “Make sure Tommy goes to bed on time.”

“And don’t forget, if you need us, the Petersons’ number is by the phone,” her mom chimed in.

“But most importantly,” they said in unison, “whatever you do, DON’T OPEN THE DOOR FOR STRANGERS!”

“I will; I know; I won’t,” Suzie replied, waving to her parents as they walked to their car.

Suzy and Tommy went into the living room to watch TV. Just then, they heard it—a knock on the door.

“I’ll be right back Tommy. It’s probably mom or dad. They forgot their house key and they’ll probably want it if they want to be able to get in later,” Suzy said, walking towards the door.

“SUZY, NO!” Tommy hollered. “Mom and Dad said you aren’t supposed to open the door for strangers.”

“Shut up Tommy, I know for a fact it’s mom and dad because I can see their car. It’s right there. It’s okay Tommy, don’t worry,” she said gesturing out the bay window towards the red Chevrolet outside.

Tommy gazed out the window at the vehicle. Suzy scampered off across the floor, her feet padding to the mahogany door, with the one golden ringed peep hole. She didn’t even look, assured that it was her parents.

She grabbed the house key off the little circular end table, yanking the door open.

“Did you forget something?” she giggled, as she stood in the doorway.

“I don’t think so, but it’s nice for you to be concerned.”

Suzy stared horrified at an unfamiliar man. His white t-shirt was leaking blood, drops sliding off his face and giant scarred hands. His nasty grin stretched across his face.

“THEY HURT MOM AND DAD, SUZY. THEY’RE BLEEDING. THEY’RE IN THE YARD!” Suzy heard Tommy shriek from the living room.

Suzy turned to run, but the man’s hand grabbed her hair and yanked her towards him, ripping out clumps of long blonde hair. She cried out in agony.

“SUZY?” Tommy stood in the hallway, his footy pajamas soaked, a sour smell filling the air. Suzy screamed as the man lifted her up against the wall, pressing his arm against her neck, her eyes watering as she silently called out for help, her nails clawing at his hand.

“Choke or treat sweetie, you should’ve listened. Don’t you know you’re not supposed to open the door for strangers?” he breathed in her ear.

Suzy’s eyes closed and her hands fell limp. The man dropped her and maliciously turned towards Tommy.

“Trick or Treat kiddo, where’s my candy?”