CHAPTER 97 HALLOWEEN HAUNTS

The crisp autumn air carried the faint scent of bonfires and fallen leaves as Jenna and Ryan walked hand in hand through the neighborhood. It was Halloween night, and the streets were alive with the excitement of children dashing from house to house, their costumes vibrant under the glow of porch lights. The sky was an inky black, with only the pale crescent moon and the occasional star breaking through the thick layer of clouds. Lily, dressed as a witch with a black hat that was slightly too big for her, ran ahead, her trick-or-treat bag already heavy with candy. She squealed in delight as she approached each door, her enthusiasm infectious. Jenna couldn’t help but smile as she watched her daughter, her heart swelling with love. Ryan squeezed her hand, drawing her attention back to him. “She’s having the time of her life,” he said, his voice full of warmth. “She really is,” Jenna agreed, leaning into him as they continued their leisurely stroll. “I’m so glad we decided to do this.