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Half-Full

October 28, 2019 8 Comments

Half-Full
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“Coming!”

The doorbell chimes again, mocking me. Grabbing the half-empty candy bowl, I open the door—

“Huh!” I gasped.

It was HUGE. Its front paws planted on the porch: two golden, fur-covered columns, each thicker than my torso. They hold up the massive lion’s body. I feel the dragon’s tail in the shadows. Giant eagle wings scrape my eaves and blot out the festivities.

Between its teeth, I see the tiny plastic pumpkin bowl. Its cat eyes just stare.

I lock eyes with it for some time.

“Trick,” I say.

I mean, how often do you get a chance like this?

By Mark Harbinger

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gip Plaster says

    October 28, 2019 at 9:09 am

    Just once, I would think. Fun story. The description paints the picture very well.

    Reply
    • Adelaide B. Shaw says

      October 28, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      Good description of monsters, but story, for me. has problems.I

      I would think that someone in the jaws of a giant eagle would not be making a joke. Why was the person given a trick when there was the pumpkin bowl with candy? Why would he or she choose to receive a trick rather than give out treats?

      Reply
  2. knyte7 says

    October 28, 2019 at 7:49 pm

    Clever story. Indeed, how often do you get such a chance?

    Reply
    • _Mark says

      October 29, 2019 at 8:15 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. John Adams says

    October 28, 2019 at 9:42 pm

    I love that second paragraph — specifically about the doorbell ringing again and “mocking me.” So very evocative for trick or treating! And the monster’s description was amazing! You have quite a way with words, particularly with squeezing them into such tight parameters!

    Reply
    • _Mark says

      October 29, 2019 at 8:16 am

      Thanks, @JohnAmusesNoOne! I really appreciate it. _Mark

      Reply
  4. _Mark says

    October 29, 2019 at 8:21 am

    Interesting feedback, Ms. Shaw. Be well. _Mark

    Reply
  5. _Mark says

    October 29, 2019 at 8:22 am

    Thanks, Gip!

    Reply

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