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.” Continue reading →