Kevin, a boy who loved Halloween more than any other day of the year, couldn’t help but notice something unusual on his street. Among the festive decorations, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, and eerie ghosts that lined the neighborhood, one house stood out—Mrs. Kimbly’s. Unlike the others, her house was dark, empty, and void of any Halloween spirit. Kevin had always known Mrs. Kimbly as the quiet, elderly woman who lived alone and rarely participated in neighborhood activities. He had helped her mow the lawn and shovel snow, but she never said much beyond a simple “thank you” before retreating inside. As Halloween drew nearer, Kevin couldn’t understand why she wasn’t celebrating, especially when everyone else seemed so excited. Determined to change that, Kevin offered to help her decorate. However, his good intentions were met with rejection. When he knocked on her door, Mrs. Kimbly answered with a stern expression, refusing his offer and slamming the door shut. But Kevin wasn’t one to give up so easily.

Instead of feeling discouraged, Kevin decided to take matters into his own hands. He gathered decorations from his own home—pumpkins, lights, and plastic spiders—and quietly began decorating Mrs. Kimbly’s porch without her knowledge. He hoped that seeing the decorations might lift her spirits. As the sun set on Halloween night, Kevin stood back to admire his work, just as Mrs. Kimbly stepped outside. Furious, she demanded to know why he had gone against her wishes. Kevin tried to explain that he only wanted to help, but before he could finish, she grabbed one of his carefully carved pumpkins and smashed it on the ground. Kevin was heartbroken, but later that night, something unexpected happened. Mrs. Kimbly opened up to Kevin, explaining that Halloween had always been difficult for her because it reminded her of how lonely she felt without family. Kevin’s kindness touched her, and together, they found a way to celebrate Halloween, transforming what had once been a sad day into a special one for both of them.