Halloween Quartet No 1 Graveyard Special

Standing at the bus stop waiting, when the stranger asked. “Has anyone seen the Graveyard Special? I hope I haven’t missed it or they won’t let me out next year.” I shook my head and said. “Sorry, no.” The stranger turned to me. He wore a tuxedo, bow tie and patent polished shoes. He looked like a dancer and an odd smell rose around him that of rotting decay. “Been a nice night, hasn’t it.” “Yes, but they forecast rain.” “Been out with your girlfriend and now catching the last bus home? ” “No, I haven’t got one.” A cloud passed across the moon and the strangers face became partially visible under the pale light of the moon. A pale face with a sullen look engraved with hard shadows. “Going home? ” I asked, “Yes, we are only allowed out once a year.” “You live in an old people’s home? ” “Something like that.” Returned a whispery reply. A mist descended and swirled around us. “My bus I can see it.” The mist became thicker swallowing us up. The brightly lit bus stopped, its destination board read Graveyard Special. The stranger got on and the bus doors shut. Into the mist, it went to be swallowed up. The mist then evaporated as quickly as it came. My bus arrived and as I paid my ticket I remarked. “I didn’t know the bus company put on a special bus just for Halloween.” The driver shook his head and said. “They don’t, that bus is for the dead ones who get out once a year. I have been following it on its route as it picks them up one by one to take them back before the first streaks of dawn appear in the sky. It takes them back to the graveyard for another year to stay.” Getting my ticket, I sat my hands trembling at the thought that I had spoken to a ghost.