The Pond is placid. Blue Heron is resting. Mylo is exploring the mystery of the Writing Porch. A Cardinal flies by. There is a mower in the distance. The Big White Cat is making his evening rounds. Something is coming. Coming soon. We lose the plot; we are wrapped in smoke, fog, indecision. We need to move but are paralised by doubt. Tomorrow all will be revealed, we say. Tomorrow will soon be today.

‘Frankenstein is coming to the Orpheum Friday night,’ Chet said with glee. ‘It is a Halloween Kickoff before Halloween,’ Chet continued. ‘It is said that during his movie performance, he can be found in dark corners of the Theatre,’ Chet whispered. ‘He can be smelled before seen, as he loves cigars, ‘Cigar good,’ Chet laughed. ‘He wears a size sixteen shoe and leaves a big footprint,’ Chet said. ‘It will be fun to see the movie and smell the ‘Cigar Good’ smoke Friday evening,’ Chet laughed. ‘School starts Monday. I hope if Frank is there we can talk him into spending the weekend with us and attending the first day of school on Monday,’ Chet winked and did a little dance.

‘I swear I smell cherry tobacco,’ Jane said. ‘The smoke is hanging in the air in the back of the theatre, but no one is there,’ Jane continued. ‘I did hear a deep voice say, ‘Smoke Good,’ Jane noted. ‘Lou said someone purchased some cherry tobacco and left a coin that he did not recognize the person had on a Pandemic Mask,’ Jane explained.

‘Sit here, we will smoke awhile, friend,’ Frankenstein said. ‘Do you play cards?’ F asked. I love to play cards around Halloween,’ Frankenstein continued. ‘I also enjoy a Pumpkin Latte,’ F laughed so hard the row of theatre seats shook. ‘I would be pleased to accompany you to school on Monday, Jane. It will give the kids a thrill, I think,’ Frankenstein winked. ‘Do you have any naughty teachers I could bring the Wolfman along for a special scare?’ Frankenstein promised. ‘Wolfie is well thought of until the Wolf Comes Out,’ F chuckled. ‘He is a kind fellow, a lover of woods, a keeper of sheep,’ F looked with bemusement.

‘Chet, you must take your hat off and hang it in the cloak room,’ Mrs B said.

‘Can I come out yet?’ Frankenstein asked as he hid among the jackets with his size 16 shoes poking out. ‘Wolfie had to go to the restroom; he will be right back,’ F said.

‘Good morning, students. I am Principal Dave Acula, but my friends call me D. We’re going to have a fun time in school this year. Frankenstein and Wolfie come on out and meet the rosy-cheeked children,’ the principal said with a sharp-toothed grin.