Barnaby’s Bright Idea

Barnaby was not a typical ghost. While other spirits practiced their loud "Boos" and practiced rattling heavy chains, Barnaby practiced his "Hellos" in front of a polished silver platter. He was small, round, and glowed with the soft, comforting light of a pearl. He even wore a tiny, knitted orange scarf that his grandmother had made for him to keep his neck from getting chilly in the autumn breeze. But despite his friendly appearance, Barnaby was incredibly shy. Whenever he saw a human, his translucent face would turn a faint shade of pink, and he would vanish into the nearest shadow.

Halloween was Barnaby’s favorite night of the year. It was the one time he felt he could walk among the living without being the odd one out. "Tonight is the night I make a friend," he whispered to himself, adjusting his orange scarf. He floated gently toward the town square, where the trees were draped in golden fairy lights and the air smelled of cinnamon and fallen leaves.

From the safety of a large oak tree, he watched a group of children laughing and carrying plastic pumpkins. There was a pirate with a wooden sword, a brave knight in cardboard armor, and a young girl dressed as a shimmering silver moon. Barnaby wanted to join them, but his courage wobbled like jelly. He stayed hidden, watching them collect treats from the brightly lit houses.

Suddenly, a sharp gust of wind swept through the street. It swirled the fallen leaves into mini-tornadoes and, with a sharp puff, blew out the candle inside the Moon Girl’s lantern. "Oh no!" she cried, stopping in her tracks. "I can't see the path!" Her friends were already further ahead, their voices fading into the distance as they turned a corner.

Barnaby knew he had to help. Trembling slightly, he floated out from behind the tree. He didn't jump out or shout. Instead, he concentrated very hard until his pearl-white body began to glow with a warm, steady radiance.

"Excuse me," he squeaked softly. The Moon Girl looked up. She didn't scream or run away. She saw a small, friendly ghost with big teal eyes and a cozy orange scarf. "You're a glowing ghost!" she said, her eyes widening in wonder. "Your light is much better than my candle."

Barnaby’s shyness melted away like morning mist. He floated just ahead of her, lighting the sidewalk with his magical glow. They spent the rest of the night walking together, the ghost and the moon, sharing stories of the night. By the time they reached her front porch, Barnaby realized he wasn't hiding anymore. He had finally found a friend, and for a shy ghost, that was the best treat of all.