You Found Me! (A spooky month short story)

Chapter Three: A spectacle of lights

Pump ran ahead, leading Skid through twists and turns of houses and late trick or treaters. Skid tried to ask where they were going but he could only keep panting to try and keep up with Pump. Finally, they ran up a steep hill, and Pump stopped. Skid flopped down and gasped for air. "Wh- Where are we?" He wheezed. Pump giggled and told him to turn around. When he did, he stopped breathing. Literally. The hill was in a secluded area at the back of the neighborhood, surrounded by gold and red trees. Beyond it, the neighborhood twinkled with soft lights and spooky Halloween decorations. The moon spilled on them and turned the soft grass into a pool of silver. The sky and ground sparkled and shined, a cool breeze lightly fluttered through the autumn leaves. Skid sat there, staring, for several moments. Pump had to turn him away to get him to breathe again. "How... How have I never seen this place before? It's just like..." "A dream?" "Exactly!" Skid laughed loudly and laid on the grass. He opened his eyes and looked at the sparkling display. "I don't think I want to ever leave!" he said, the lights reflecting in his eyes. Skid took off his skeleton mask and inhaled the air. Pump smiled and looked at the lights. "Most of the time, I am the only one up here. Isn't it great?" Skid jerked his head over in surprise. "Wait, no one comes up here?" Pump stiffened and held his breath. "That's incredible! Wow! This can be like our secret hideout!" Skid said, beaming. Pump let out his breath and sagged slightly with relief. "Do you want to meet here tomorrow?" Skid asked. Pump laughed and said sure. Skid grinned and laid down again. He looked up at the stars, humming a soft song under his breath. Suddenly, Skid asked, "Why can you look up at the moon, but not the sun?" Pump pondered this for a moment. "Hmmm... I don't know. That's a good question." Skid smiled thoughtfully then pulled out a piece of candy from his bucket. He popped the candy into his mouth and looked at the wrapper. It read, "I found you!" Pump had also put some candy in his mouth. His wrapper read "You found me!" Skid grinned at Pump. Pump smiled at Skid, but it was slightly hollow. He stared at his wrapper. But Skid didn't notice. Then Skid started talking. And eating candy. They shared stories and just talked. For hours. They laughed and gasped at all the right moments, frowned, and giggled. They were becoming best friends. Eventually, Skid yawned and looked up at the sky. The moon had started going away. He shrieked and bolted upward, checking his watch. "Oh no... My mom is going to KILL me! I have to go. See you later, Pump!" Skid said, then bolted down the hill. Pump stared at him as he left. His smile started to fade. He watched Skid disappear down the hill. But he didn't move. Eventually, he walked up the hill to a hidden fence. Behind it lurked a dark, unmoving forest. He ducked under the fence and walked behind a tree. Then disappeared from sight.