The grocery and farm store are the only places to purchase children’s Halloween costumes-for variety or larger sizes, one must drive forty-minutes or shop online-one of the 4,724 reasons I want to escape this town.

While enjoying a meal with Alma after church, my phone vibrates. It’s a group text from Adrian.

Adrian-video call 7pm tonight

Me-yes, call my phone

Savannah-see you tonight

Salem-I can’t wait

Bethany-will be there ...