by Ash Krafton
Bingo – World’s Bravest Dog
A Halloween Story
By Nancy C. Wilson
It was Halloween, that special night, where anything can happen, and does.
Steve Dennis was hurrying into his costume; he didn’t want to miss one minute of trick or treating. His best friend Billy Larson across the street was just as excited.
Billy put the finishing touches on his costume and ran down the stairs to the front door.
“Billy, I don’t think you should be going out there, it’s too windy and cold and it looks like it’s going to rain.”
“Awe, come on mom, it’s a great night for Halloween, it’s perfect, give me a break.”
“Billy, don’t talk to your mom like that, she might be right. But, you know, it’s only here once a year, so I think if you’re not out too long, it should be okay. Just stick with the other kids and Steve, you should be fine. But be careful Billy, you never know what’s lurking out there in the dark.” His dad chuckled.
“Yeah right, see ya later.”
Billy slammed open the screen door, jumped up on the porch rail and glided down to the ground, just as the first trick or treaters were coming up the walkway.
The wind was blowing, scattering autumn leaves, loosening shutters and swirling costumes and capes around red riding hoods and Dracula’s to the delight of squeaking and screaming children caught up in the atmosphere of All Hallows Eve.
Billy hurried across the street to Steve’s house, and yes; something was lurking, waiting.
Billy wasn’t afraid of anything, that’s one of the reasons Steve looked up to him, even though Billy was younger by almost a year. Steve was twelve and in another couple of months Billy would turn twelve. Billy always seemed to charge right ahead no matter what the consequences. Steve was the cautious one; and tonight he would be right to be cautious.
Steve was dressed as Captain America, cape and all; Billy was dressed as Superman also with his cape. They both jumped up on the porch railing and jumped to the ground, both feeling like their costume mentors.
They bounded down the sidewalk, capes flying. Steve halted at the stop sign and held his arm back to stop Billy in his tracks.
“Look Billy, this year no cemeteries, okay?”
“Steve pal, you’re no fun. I’m not making any promises; let’s just see what happens all right?”
“No cemeteries, no way, I mean it. We got into enough trouble last year, remember?”
“Yeah, okay ya big baby. By the way, where’s the world’s bravest dog?” Billy asked.
“Oh he’s out chasing leaves or playing with the kids. I haven’t seen Bingo for about an hour. He’ll show up.” Steve assured him.
Bingo was Steve’s dog. He was a big black Labrador, however, as fearsome as he looked, he was just as friendly. Bingo seemed to think he was the babysitter of all the kids in town. Tonight, however, he’d have his paws full.
Steve took off on a run with Billy close behind.
Coming to the first house, they happily lifted their bags gave a hurried thanks and were off again.
It was listening, it was following and it wouldn’t be long before they would see what happened. It never forgot. It was seeking revenge.
It recognized the voices, the walk, even the run. There was a mixture of anger and excitement. It wanted to run too; it wanted to run and jump and kill.
It followed them throughout the evening, through the shouts and laughter, through the swirling leaves. They lead it on a merry chase; never knowing they were being followed.
A couple of times some of their friends called to Steve to tell him where they had just seen Bingo.
Steve laughed and thanked them for keeping an eye on his dog.
Billy started running again, twisting, turning and laughing, running backwards for a while.
Steve followed suit, they were having a great time. The moon came out and the threat of rain disappeared. Now, if the wind would calm down.
All of a sudden they found themselves outside the cemetery, both clutching the squeaky old Iron Gate, to catch their breath.
“Aw no, not here, I’m getting out of here, I said no cemetery and I meant it.”
Steve started to walk back into town. Billy was still catching his breath.
“Come on Steve, wait for me. I didn’t mean to come this far, honest.”
“Let’s go over to the park. They’ve got cider, donuts and prizes again for the best costumes, come on let’s go.” Steve called to Billy.
“Wait a second, I thought I heard something.” Billy called out.
“Cut it out Billy, I don’t want to hear it; I’m going with or without you.
“No, I mean it Steve; I heard something, like deep breathing; no, more like panting. Oh forget it, if you’re too chicken to find out what it was.”
Steve flipped his mask up.
“I’m not chicken, I’m just not stupid. And if you heard panting, you probably heard Bingo.”
Both boys started calling and whistling for Steve’s dog. But, he was nowhere in sight.
“Aw, he’s probably at the park begging for donuts. He’s smart. Come on, let’s go.” Steve said flipping his mask down, he really didn’t want to see anything if it was out there.
They started towards town and stopped short.
“There it is again.” Billy whispered.
There was the sound of leaves crunching. Something or someone was there.
“Hey, Bingo, come out come out wherever you are!” Steve hollered.
There was a growl and then a low wicked laugh.
“I’m getting out of here.” Steve shouted.
Both boys took off on a run.
“Hey, it’s probably just some kids trying to scare us.” Billy said running alongside Steve.
“They’re doing a good job of it.” Was Steve’s out of breath reply.