J. H. Reynolds - Monsterstreet #3: Carnevil

To Kevin Reynolds, Lee Carter, and Bob Darden

my three mentors who gave me the courage

to keep writing

T he two brothers stepped off the train, dragging their suitcases behind them. Ren was twelve, had perfectly combed hair, and wore his shirttail tucked in. Kip was nine, hadnt combed his hair in days, and wouldnt tuck in his shirt if his life depended on it.

It was their first time away from their parents for more than one night, and they had been given strict instructions to wait at the outdoor depot once they arrived at their destination. But when they looked around for somewhere to sit down, they realized that they were the only ones there.

This place gives me the creeps, Ren said.

Scaredy-cat, Kip replied. What time is Aunt Winnie supposed to pick us up?

Four oclock sharp, Ren said, glancing down at his watch.

A crow cawed, and the boys turned to see a flock of black birds flying away from a scarecrow in the nearby cornfield. The brittle shucks quivered as a cool October breeze swept over Ren and Kip, carrying a strange scent upon it.

Do you smell that? Ren asked.

Yeah. Smells like... pumpkins, Kip said. And cotton candy.

And something else too. What is it? Ren mused aloud.

I dont know, but can you help me carry this? Kip asked, tugging at his suitcase, which was twice his size.

Youre old enough to carry your own luggage, Ren said, forgetting about the scent for a moment.

But its too heavy, Kip complained. And mom said youre supposed to look after me while were here.

Only because she doesnt want you to get in trouble like you always do, Ren said, then reluctantly helped Kip pull his suitcase to a nearby bench. I swear, Mom and Dad should pay me for being your full-time babysitter.

They dont pay you because brothers are supposed to look out for each other, Kip said. Clay Fergusons big brother takes him on bike rides and to get ice cream and even to the movies. Theyre like... friends.

Well, if you werent so annoying, maybe Id let you tag along too, Ren replied. Not all of us can do whatever we want when we wanttheres a little thing called responsibility.

Hey, I can be responsible, Kip said.

Yeah right. When was the last time you made your bed or helped Mom unload the dishwasher?

Kip didnt say anything.

Its the same everywhere we go, Ren continued. I have to be the responsible one while you get to have all the fun.

Kip looked at the ground, and Ren could tell he had hurt his little brothers feelings.

Just as he was about to apologize, a black hearse with tinted windows slowly rolled into the empty parking lot and stopped. Chills shot up Rens spine as he realized that whoever was inside it was staring right at them.

T he hearse didnt move. It just sat there with the engine still running, like a spider waiting patiently in the shadows of its web.

Should I call the cops? Ren whispered, eyeing the nearby pay phone. But Kip looked more curious than afraid.

Ren felt his breath quickening as he peered at the dark windshield glaring back at them.

What do they want? he wondered.

Suddenly, the engine turned off.

The driver door creaked open.

And a pair of black tennis shoes appeared.

A brown-haired woman wearing sunglasses and a nurses uniform stepped out of the hearse and waved at them. She looked a few years younger than their mom.

Aunt Winnie? Ren said in disbelief.

Hi, boys! she called. Sorry, I had to take a moment to touch up my makeup.

They met her at the bottom of the depot steps, and she gave them both hugs.

I swear you two have grown a foot since last Thanksgiving! Im so glad I get you for an entire week while your parents are away on their anniversary trip in Europe. Were going to have so much fun!

Ren had always liked Aunt Winnie more than his other aunts and uncles. She was the only older person he knew who really seemed to care about what a kid had to say. Plus, she always sent the best birthday presents.

Whats with the hearse? Kip asked. Do you work for a funeral home or something?

Aunt Winnie laughed.

Something like that, she teased. Lets get your bags in the back with the coffin, and Ill take you to... the Land of the Dead!

The Land of the Dead? Ren questioned.

But Aunt Winnie didnt explain.

As they drove through the nearby neighborhood, Ren observed Halloween dcor in every yard. There were blow-up monsters and fake gravestones, smoking witchs cauldrons and light-up animatronic figures. It seemed every house in town went all out for Halloween.

All the while, the pumpkin-candy scent poured through the hearses open windows.

Dont you just love this time of year? Aunt Winnie said. I cant believe Halloween is only a few days away. Did you boys bring costumes? If not, I can throw something together for you.

I think Ill pass, Ren said. Every Halloween, I end up spending the entire night chasing after Kip and making sure he doesnt get in trouble.

I can help watch Kip so that you can have fun too, Aunt Winnie replied.

Really? Ren asked.

Sure, Aunt Winnie said. I mean, were talking about Halloween here. The one night of the year you can become anything you want! Besides, youre only a kid once.

Ren half smiled. The idea of actually getting to have fun on Halloween sounded too good to be true.

A few minutes later, Aunt Winnie turned in to a long driveway, and Ren observed the rusted iron sign above the arched stone entrance. It was overgrown with twisting green vines, but he could still make out the words Old Manor Nursing Home.

You work at a nursing home? Ren asked.

You boys will love it, Aunt Winnie said. Its like living in a library, only the books can talk to you. Ive wanted to work here since I was in college. So when they invited me to be their activities director, I jumped at the opportunity. Theres something special about helping people during their last stop in life, you know.

Creepy is more like it, Kip mumbled.

Ren elbowed Kip in his ribs.

That sounds nice, Aunt Winnie, Ren said, then glared at Kip and added, and responsible.

Kip rolled his eyes.

Once inside the property grounds, Ren expected to see dozens of old people wandering around in the garden while others sat in wheelchairs staring out into nothingness. But instead, he saw pumpkins grinning from behind each window, black streamers strung above every door, and droves of elderly people cobwebbing the porch.

Welcome to the Land of the Dead, Aunt Winnie announced.

Ren looked up and saw a giant hand-painted sign hanging over the front doors of the nursing home.

Beware...

You Are Now Entering the Haunted Manor!

This is the Land of the Dead? Kip asked. Do you call it that because people die here all the time?

Kip! Aunt Winnie said. Were actually just transforming Old Manor into a big haunted house for Halloween nightthe Haauuunntted Maaannnoooorrr! she said in her spookiest voice. Ive put ads in the local gazette, inviting all the neighborhood kids to come trick-or-treating here. I even rented this hearse for the week to keep parked out front to give it extra ambience.