smashing pumpkins by scott pieschel

October Prompt: It started with the pumpkins

​Just like last Halloween, it started with the pumpkins. Danny rounded us up after sunset, and we prowled front porches for pumpkins to smash. Danny preferred the carved ones. It was obvious which had been done by kids – the lopsided triangular eyes, pencil lines still visible where a knife sliced unevenly through the orange flesh. Then there were the ones done by mothers. The designs of cats, witches or skulls required an experienced hand.

We always followed Danny; his same dirty jean jacket illuminated by the hazy streetlamps. We stuck to the shadows as best we could, avoiding the trick-or-

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