It’s 7:30pm and we’ve had about 10 groups of trick-or-treaters so far. The first group consisted of about a dozen small children around the ages of 4-8. They were so cute. I mean, at that age they’re naturally cute, but smear their faces with make-up and put them in smocks, capes, and tutus, and I’m helpless. I held out my basket of Airheads, Menthos, lollipops, mini Hersheys, and chocolate-covered raisins, and said indulgently “You can take a couple of candies.”
I have since realized that young children know not the meaning of “a couple,” or “a few,” or “several,” especially if there’s a basket full of candy in front of them. Who knew little hands were capable of holding so much? One little fairy strategically clenched 4 packets of Airheads while using her thumb to nab a Hersheys and her remaining fingers to ensnare 5 or 6 lollipops. What am I going to do, demand she put some back? It’s Halloween. Indulge, children, indulge.
