Halloween without Lisa’s legendary party feels… strange. No pumpkin cocktails, no costume chaos. But Lily refuses to let the night fade into nothing. “Alright,” she says, “if there’s no party, we’ll make our own fun.”
She gathers her troops — Ben, Ella, Jules, and Jack — for a “quiet” evening of playing a board game. “No costumes this year,” Lily insists, “just a cozy night.” But behind her innocent tone, she’s already plotting something mischievous.
Her recruit: Jack, her youngest and ever-eager partner in crime. “We need some tricks,” she whispers. “Not too scary — just enough to make dad jump.” Jack’s eyes light up instantly. Within minutes, he’s drawn up a plan involving a soundbox, fake footsteps, and the unmistakable crash of breaking glass. “From upstairs,” he says with a grin. “Perfect.”
While her husband Ben and the older kids prepare snacks, Lily quietly sprinkles a few plastic spiders into the popcorn bowl. “Nothing harmful,” she says, giggling to herself, “just a few mini heart attacks.”
By the time everyone settles in, the living room glows with soft candlelight. The game is all set. The atmosphere is calm — maybe too calm. Lily exchanges a quick glance with Jack. Showtime in 30 minutes.
Then it happens.
CLUNK. A heavy step echoes from upstairs. CLUNK… CLUNK.
Ben frowns. “Did you hear that?” he whispers.
Before anyone can answer — CRASH! The sound of breaking glass fills the house. Ella screams. Jules drops the dice. Even Ben jumps to his feet, eyes wide.
“Someone’s in the house!” Ella gasps.
Jack hides his grin behind his hand. Lily tries to stay composed, but her shoulders are shaking from suppressed laughter.
No one moves. The room is dead silent except for the faint creak of another 'footstep'. Then, Ella grabs her phone. “I’m calling the police!” she says, her voice trembling.
That’s when Lily can’t hold it in any longer. “Wait!” she bursts out, laughing so hard she can barely speak. “Don’t call — it’s us!”
Jack confesses, holding up the tiny soundbox like a trophy. “Got you all!”
For a moment, there’s stunned silence. Then a few uneasy chuckles break the tension — the kind of laughter that’s more relief than amusement. Ben, still pale, exhales sharply and shakes his head. “You two are unbelievable,” he says, managing a tight smile that doesn’t quite hide his lingering shock. Ella and Jules exchange a look — half-annoyed, half-admiring — while Jack and Lily can’t stop giggling.
Lily’s 'innocent' game night nearly ended with a police visit.
When the game ends, Jack queues up his pick — a proper Halloween thriller.
“No more tricks,” he promises, as everyone curls up on the couch.
“Just treats,” Lily grins, setting the popcorn baskets on the pouffe before curling up on the couch — ready for a cozy, and hopefully scare-free, end to their spooky night.
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