Exhausted and running on empty, Genevieve felt like each day was just a blur since the twins, Lily and Lucas, were born. Between sleepless nights and endless feedings, there was little time or energy left for anything else. Day melted into night, and the world outside seemed so far away, even though Halloween was just around the corner.
The neighborhood was buzzing with excitement, as neighbors began to decorate their homes for the big event. But for Genevieve, who was barely getting through the day, it all felt like noise in the background.
Her next-door neighbor, Brad, was a Halloween fanatic. He called himself the “King of Halloween,” and every year, his house transformed into a spooky spectacle. Skeletons, gravestones, and even enormous pumpkins lined his yard, drawing attention from everyone in the neighborhood. Brad loved every second of it, basking in the praise from passersby.
His smirk only grew wider with every compliment he received. But Genevieve didn’t care. She was too tired to pay attention to Brad’s show of “haunted” pride.
One morning, as the autumn sun barely lit up the sky, Genevieve stepped outside with Lily on her hip and Lucas in her arm. She squinted at her car parked in front of Brad’s house, trying to shake off the foggy haze of sleep. And then her heart sank. Her car was covered in eggs—yolk dripped down the windshield, and eggshells littered the hood.
This wasn’t a random prank. It was targeted, especially since her car had been parked right in front of Brad’s extravagant decorations.
Genevieve’s stomach churned with both anger and exhaustion. She couldn’t believe it. She was too tired to even process what had happened. But one thing was clear—this was personal.
Her legs moved before her brain could catch up. She marched to Brad’s house, both kids still in tow, and pounded on his door. Brad answered, wearing his usual smug grin, standing in front of his perfect Halloween display. Cobwebs, skeletons, and witches were all in place, making his yard look like something straight out of a haunted house.
“Did you see who egged my car?” Genevieve asked, her voice shaky with frustration.
Brad didn’t flinch. “I did,” he said with a calm that irritated her even more. “Your car was blocking my decorations.”
Genevieve’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You egged my car because it was in front of your house? You didn’t even ask me to move it!”
Brad just shrugged as if it was the most natural thing in the world. “People come from all over to see my display. How can they see it with your car there?”
He crossed his arms, completely unfazed. “I’m the Halloween King, Genevieve. My display is important. I need a little cooperation.”
Genevieve’s frustration boiled over, but she was too tired to argue any longer. “I have newborn twins, Brad. I parked there because it’s easier for me when I’m carrying both babies.”
Brad just shrugged again. “Not my problem, Genevieve. After Halloween, you can park there as much as you want.”
Genevieve stood there for a moment, too exhausted to continue the fight. She turned and walked away, vowing silently to herself that this wasn’t over. Brad had messed with the wrong person.
Later that night, as she rocked Lily to sleep, an idea came to her. Brad’s pride was his Halloween display. He needed everything to be perfect. And Genevieve was going to make sure he got what he asked for—a perfect disaster.
The next day, Genevieve saw Brad putting finishing touches on his decorations. With a sweet smile, she approached him. “Hey, Brad,” she called out cheerfully. “Your display looks great, but have you thought about adding some high-tech stuff? Like fog machines or ghost projectors?”
Brad raised an eyebrow, suspicious but intrigued. “Upgrade?”
Genevieve nodded, listing off several products she had researched. They were cheap, low-quality machines that barely worked, but Brad didn’t need to know that. “These could really take your display to the next level,” she said. “You want to be the best, don’t you?”
Brad’s eyes lit up with the idea. He loved the thought of having the best Halloween display in the neighborhood. And Genevieve knew she had him.
When Halloween night arrived, Brad’s house looked like a dream—fog machines were running, and ghost projectors cast eerie shadows on the walls. A crowd gathered, and Brad stood proudly, soaking up the compliments.
Genevieve, from the safety of her porch with her twins, watched with a feeling of satisfaction. She had to admit, it looked impressive—at first. Then things started to fall apart.
The fog machine sputtered, turning into a malfunctioning sprinkler, soaking the front yard. The kids laughed, and adults tried to hold back their giggles as Brad fumbled with the controls.
Next, the ghost projector flickered, and the ghost image turned into a bizarre, cartoonish blob. The kids laughed even harder, and Brad’s frustration grew as he tried to fix it.
Finally, the inflatable Frankenstein in the yard started to deflate, its head rolling across the lawn like a sad, defeated balloon. Teenagers, sensing an opportunity, began hurling eggs at Brad’s house. What was once a spooky masterpiece had turned into a comedy show.
The next morning, Brad knocked on Genevieve’s door. His usual swagger was gone, replaced by an awkward, deflated expression. “I… I wanted to apologize,” he mumbled. “For egging your car. I overreacted.”
Genevieve crossed her arms and waited before replying, “Yeah, you did.”
Brad shifted uncomfortably. “I didn’t realize how hard it must be with the twins. I’m sorry.”
Genevieve let the silence stretch. “Thanks for apologizing, Brad. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
Brad nodded and quickly left, but as he turned, Genevieve couldn’t resist adding, “Funny how things balance out, huh?”
Brad glanced back, but for once, he had nothing to say.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
