All characters are 18 or older.
***
"Trick or treat!!"
A common scene in suburban Anytown, USA. Small children running from house to house, shrieking, parents walking along behind them. And two teenage girls, with a bit of gore makeup and torn clothes - just enough to suggest zombie versions of themselves, but not so much that they weren't still attractive - standing on a porch, in the light of an open door.
"Well, what have we here?" the man said, leaning on the door frame with an easy smile. "The sexy zombie, an excellent choice."
The blonde one giggled. "You think we're sexy, mister?" she said, throwing out a hip.
"Don't be gross, Jess," muttered the other zombie.
The man laughed. "You guys look great. How old are you? Still in school?"
"We're seniors. We were supposed to go to a party, but our friends bailed on us after we already had our faces on, so we thought we'd take a walk, get some candy."
"Wise choice. You haven't had too much of 'Aren't you a little too old for trick-or-treating,' I hope..."
"Nah," said Jess. "Once or twice, but overall, people have been really nice. What's the harm, right? It's Halloween!"
"Exactly. And better than a lot of things teenagers could be getting up to. Hang on."
The man turned, and passed his hand over the big bowl of little candy before reaching into the little bowl full of big candy. He handed the girls a pair of chocolate bars.
"Full size candy bars? Awesome! Thanks!"
"Happy Halloween, you two. Have fun tonight."
He smiled, showing his teeth.
They waved, and hopped down the steps, giggling as they headed toward the next house.
The man closed the door slowly, watching them go. On the back of the door was a small chalkboard, with a piece of chalk attached by string. He carefully took the chalk and added two tally marks to the marks already counted there ...
***
The leaves were crunchy underfoot as Jessika and Dionne crossed the quiet suburban street. It was dark enough that there were fewer kids out now. Most of the younger ones had been taken home.
"My bag is getting heavy," said Jess.
"Oh, poor baby! I've got so much candy, I can hardly carry it all," laughed her friend. "'I can't close my wallet cuz it's too full of fifties, and my diamond shoes are too tight.'"