A skeleton dances when the front door swings open, drawing my latest customer inside. I go overboard decorating, but this season is the bread and butter for shops like mine. In January, I might spend weeks without pulling cards for anyone, but come October, even the most devout Catholics know the veil between the world ...

Grief was as new to Lacey as having seasons. Autumn approached faster than she anticipated it would. She wasn’t prepared for change of any kind. The passing of her older sister, Maisie, had rocked her to the core. Maisie’s death was not the plan. The two women planned to grow old together. They would conquer ...

I turned the key to my front door as the familiar click echoed in the quiet morning. With only the occasional hoot from the nocturnal predator, the atmosphere was eerie. Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed movement beside the big sign announcing the neighborhood watch. However, the closest thing to security in ...

This week we are taking a trip to Elfin Forest. Haunted houses are spooky, but you can leave or move most of the time. Haunted forests and land are a whole different issue, plus San Diego County is less known for its haunted forest and more for its beaches and surfing unless you ask locals ...

The path narrowed as she ran; her lungs burned with each breath. Then, up ahead, a steep incline appeared. She knew the area well enough and remembered there was a small, dark cave to take cover. With little time left for escape, Petra slid down the hill to the cave. Crouching in the darkest corner, ...

Paige sat at the bottom of the front porch poking at the grass with a stick. At fifteen years old, summer break should be a time of fun at the beach and the discovery of life with her friends. Not this time—Paige’s mom often traveled for her marketing job. This summer, her mom must travel ...

Rayna had forgotten what it was like to sit on the front porch—savoring a cup of roasted coffee while a cool, gentle breeze caressed her face. Evenings were even better because she could see the stars twinkling like diamonds in the night. Having a busy schedule teaching and creating lesson plans, Rayna hadn’t had the ...