Surprise

Alice saw the lights as she dashed out of the hallway. When Alice came back to her senses, she heard a cheer, “SURPRISE!” Then, confetti flew in the air. Many people, wearing various masks and costumes, were gathered at the elevator’s entrance. Among them, there were two small children with pumpkin hoods. Alice recognized that voice after she screamed. Confused, Alice asked, “Eliana, Max?” The shorter child removed her hood and smiled happily, “Hey, Mommy! It’s me!” “Huh? What are you guys doing?” “Happy Halloween, Miss Brown!” At that point, everyone in costumes removed their masks and hoods. Alice recognized that they were all her neighbors in the building. Alice, surprised, touched her forehead and said, “What are you doing?” Mona, Alice’s neighbor, approached her at that moment. She was dressed up as a Corpse Bride and wore black lipstick. She said with a smile, “Are you terrified? It’s our Halloween event, and we are scaring everyone who comes home after dark. Let me tell you, you