The Giveaway

This is for Paul Stewart's Unnerve, Unsettle, and Scare Me Challenge

The day had finally arrived. Paul was giddy with anticipation as the door to the candy factory slowly opened. He and ninety-nine other, equally giddy children pressed forward into the large lobby and blinked as their eyes adjusted to the brightness. At the far end of the room, a neatly dressed young woman behind a large desk stared at the mob of rug rats.

“What?”

Paul and the other kids looked at each other for the answer. No one had it.

Without warning, a fanfare erupted from the ceiling speakers, accompanied by a cacophony of cheers. Factory employees in colorful clown costumes burst through the doors at the rear of the lobby, waving and shouting. An enormous banner dropped from the ceiling, with the words, “Welcome, Winners” printed in bold block letters. Confetti in all the colors of the rainbow spewed from an unknown source. “Just kidding!” the receptionist shouted cheerfully.

Okay, this was more like it!

Today, Paul was a member of an elite group. For the first time in his life, his writing had been recognized. Sure, his family and friends were supportive. This was different. Out of thousands of entries, his had been one of the essays chosen. His Halloween costume was going to be awesome this year!

The commotion slowly dwindled and a familiar voice came over the speakers. Reginald Reeser, himself, stepped to the front as the clowns made way. Microphone in hand, bright red bow tie at his neck, he grinned and addressed his adoring fans.

“Welcome to my humble business, all you brilliant writers! Your words truly inspired me and I'm so happy to meet all of you! I would love to shake all of your hands, but I know you're all anxious for your prize, and after all, tomorrow is Halloween!” Holding open a door marked, “Employees Only,” he bowed and motioned to the children. “After you! Don't push, now. There's plenty of room for everyone inside.”

The children funneled into single file in order to pass through the doorway. Paul smiled at Mr. Reeser as he passed by. The man looked much older up close. Reginald Reeser smiled back, exposing a set of rotting teeth. For a mere moment, his black eyes seemed to bore holes into Paul's brain. “Come in and see where the magic happens!”

A bit shaken, but so close to the prize, Paul shrugged off the uneasy feeling and followed the line. As the last of the children passed through, their host followed and closed the door behind them. The room was wide, and filled with the sound of machinery. Overhead conveyors busily moved toward open doors. Over each door was a sign bearing the name of one of Reeser's famous candy confections.

Paul turned to their host, who was still standing at the door they'd come through and asked, “But where are our costumes?” Locking the door behind them, Reginald again flashed a wide, disgusting grin. His foul breath enveloped Paul as he replied, “Costumes?”

Panic set in, followed by pandemonium, as children suddenly found themselves dangling upside down from the conveyors. As something grabbed Paul's ankle, he recalled exactly what the prompt for the contest had asked: “Which of our yummy confections would you like to be for Halloween this year?” Paul's entire essay had read, “A peanut butter cup. Duh.”

***

This might be a twist on a much better-known story, but a bit more dark, I think. Happy Halloween!