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It was supposed to be a quick trip to pick up some hand soap and other essentials for the week, but something in Andrew told him to pick up the bag of candy that had been misplaced. He never did celebrate Halloween, this year was supposed to be no different but why not?
‘Staying inside all the time can’t be good for ya.’
‘Tracy tells me you often make her lunch but neglect yourself, why is that Mr. Kreiss?’
‘It’s kinda sad that you stay inside whenever stuff like this happens, but I’ll extend you the invitation anyway.’
Well Andrew would no longer be the little shut in librarian, he’d pass out candy this year… probably.
How different were the light knocks of children to the loud banging of angry mobs? Maybe this was a bad idea.
Looking down at the bag of chocolates, He thought. Maybe there were some kids who didn’t quite like chocolate. Some fruit flavored candies might do some good.
By the time 5 minutes had passed, Andrew had a substantial amount of candy in his cart, covering his initial items. No time to regret it, he had to get to his house before the sun set. Then all the hungry ‘ghosts’ and ‘ghouls’ would come out.
He wouldn’t have to leave his house and he would be doing something that could be considered self care. Probably.
After shyly checking out and carrying all his bags back to his home, he noticed it was a bit too much candy.
Did Tracy say she was going to trick or treat today or?
And then the slightly bright idea hit him.
Aesop hardly left his own home, though he could be getting dragged along by Tracy so she doesn’t have to trick or treat alone. And there’s also Luca who’s a complete shut-in.
Thankfully his landline worked. He’d have to be sure to thank Luca when he saw him next.
“Hello. This is Aesop Carl speaking how may I-”
“It’s Andrew, no need for such formalities.”
“I see. Well, what has you calling me at this time of the day?”
“Well, I bought candy to pass out to the trick or treaters and I feel like I may have too much. I was wondering if you were going with Tracy, or if you even wanted any candy at all.”
A brief pause is made on Aesop’s side, almost as if contemplating the query.
“I was going to be out with Ms. Reznik, but I had no intention of collecting any candy.”
“And to answer your question, I wouldn’t mind taking whatever was left of the candy, on one condition.”
“That being?”
“I’d assume you’ll also be sharing a part with Luca? We will all be together for the rest of the night. I planned on sleeping at his house to keep an eye on him, holidays make him a bit more depressed than usual. If that fits in with your schedule of course.”
It was Andrew's turn to think. Well, he could open the Library a bit later tomorrow and it’s not like he had anything against being in someone else's home as long as he had permission.
“Sure thing. I will be prepared when I come to your home later, yes?”
“Of course. I will see you then.”
Hanging up when the conversation reached its end, Andrew then put everything in its place, forgetting he didn’t have a porch light.
Of course he’d have to go into that god forsaken room again at some point.
A room he’d left undecorated, filled with boxes of memorabilia from his mother.
An empty room really. A single box in the center that contained what little documentation she had before she…
He was there for one thing. His paraffin lantern. The one his mother had gifted him when he’d become old enough to take care of her.
‘You know, even the deepest darkness has to have light. You can be that light, even if it’s for someone who isn’t me.” She’d told him that when she gifted it to him. He cried of course and they hugged for a long time.
“Mother…” He whispered into the cold air.
Well that’s enough of that.
Wiping tears off with his sleeves, Andrew sets the now lit lantern on his porch.
___________________________________________
The night was a success, and the once brightly burning flame was out. There weren’t many trick or treaters out, likely due to the freezing temperatures, but that was then. Now he sits, waiting for Aesop to grab the few things he would take for the sleepover.
It was a little silly when he thought of it. Aesop, excited for a sleepover with two other much more awkward men.
Not that Luca was awkward. He was a jittery man, hopping from one subject to the next, and spending most of his time tinkering with inventions and the like within his decently sized home.
He wasn’t acknowledging how warm the thought of seeing Luca made him.
Aesop returned to the waiting room, messenger bag in hand.
And without another word the two were off.
Like most walks with Aesop, it was quiet. Were it not for Aesop’s bright red costume, Andrew might have even forgotten he was there.
Luca’s home looked warm on the outside, probably because of the bright yellow paint and the unassuming porch. A closer look yielded slightly depressing results, a dusty table and an overflowing ashtray. Not that Luca smoked, it was likely from when his father still lived.
Not that Luca participated in any smoking or drinking. He recalls Luca turning down a bottle of wine from Tracy ‘I prefer to be able to remember what I can. But thank you.’ He was so graceful with his speech.
Of course once stepping inside the (worryingly unlocked) door the isolation of the house showed through, most of the rooms were empty save for essentials. A couch in the living room, a table with a few chairs in the dining room, and empty cupboards in the kitchen from Andrew’s recollection of the place.
The painting of Luca’s mother in the Dining room was new though.
“Luca?” Aesop raised his voice.
A distant clattering noise and the smallest sound of ‘coming!’ signified Luca’s rushed arrival.
“Mr. Balsa.” Aesop smiled, pulling down his mask.
“Carl! And Kreiss too? A pleasure to see you both! What brings you to my humble abode?”
Luca looked as tired as usual. Bags beneath his eyes and voice slightly lower than usual with sleep. How the man managed to function round all the dangerous machinery he worked with was a miracle. But it was almost something Andrew felt jealous of.
“I’m here to share my candy with the both of you. Aesop told me we were going to have a sleepover.” Andrew smiled.
Luca’s face lit up in surprise.
“So that’s what the note was for! Past me you clever little fox!” Luca’s smile was almost blinding.
“I will set my thing’s in the guest room upstairs, feel free to converse without me, I will be… setting something up in the meantime.”
Without acknowledging either of them, Aesop left.
“I’m happy you came along too! I only knew Car- I mean Aesop was going to be here! Don’t tell him this but I always did like your company a little more.” Luca giggled and moved to take Andrew’s hand and lead him into the living room.
Andrew yet again ignored the small feeling of warmth in his heart.
Andrew took a spot on the couch, opening his bag of candy to show Luca.
“If you’d like, we can start sorting the candy now. I’m not sure what you like, I haven’t gotten to know you too well, regrettably.” Andrew flushed as Luca immediately shoved a hand into the bag, shuffling around.
“I’ve been meaning to invite you to my home more often, I always did quite like you but I don’t… quite like going outside.” Luca’s smile fell a bit before perking up again.
“But there’s no time like the present! Speaking of, thanks!” Luca pulled out a lollipop and unwrapped it, immediately eating.
“Oh! You’re welcome, Luca. I.. I’ve been meaning to come here more often too.”
Of course there was the rest of their brief time together to consider, and his other bag which was still in the dining room, but for now, watching Luca examine the candy and hum was enough.
This quiet moment was enough for him.