For my birthday, I’m giving myself a present – a short story! I know we have just one more story tomorrow night – Halloween! But I’m going to continue my relaxing birthday theme and go to bed early.

“Shh, everybody!” Andy whisper-yelled as he stepped away from the apartment door. “I hear footsteps! I think James is coming!”

A muted commotion commenced where ten couples hid themselves poorly behind furniture and doorways as silently as they could. In moments even the hushed sounds of people moving into place and the occasional, whispered, “You’re on my foot!” followed by “Shh!” died down. In the silence, the sound of footsteps outside was obvious.

Slowly and deliberately, they made their way down the hall closer and closer.

The doorknob rattled and then began to turn. Slowly the door swung inwards, creaking as light from the hallway spilled in.

Andy suddenly flipped the light switch and everyone on cue jumped up and yelled, “SURPRISE!”

In the doorway stood a translucent figure that stared back with wide eye-holes and an open mouth. “Boo!” it shouted back.