Title: The Pumpkin Lantern’s Promise
When Eddie was a kid, there was an old rumor in his town — every Halloween night, a mysterious pumpkin lantern appeared under the big oak tree in the park.
They said it was made by a real witch, and whoever found it could make one wish come true.
But there was one rule: never say “thank you.”
That Halloween, Eddie decided to find out if the story was true.
The park was silent and cold, the wind howling through the swings.
And then he saw it — a soft orange glow flickering beneath the oak tree.
A pumpkin lantern. Real. Waiting.
Eddie’s heart pounded as he whispered his wish:
“I want to see Grandma again… just once.”
Suddenly, a gentle voice spoke behind him.
“Eddie, aren’t you cold?”
He turned around — and there she was. His grandmother, smiling the same warm smile she always had.
Tears filled his eyes. He almost said it. He almost whispered, “Thank you.”
But the flame inside the lantern flared violently, casting a long shadow that seemed to scream, Don’t!
Eddie froze, clenching his lips shut.
When he finally opened his eyes, Grandma was gone.
The lantern had vanished too.
He ran home, confused and shaking — only to find a small silver brooch sitting on his desk.
It was Grandma’s. The one that disappeared when she passed away.
His mom swore she hadn’t put it there.
And from that night on, every Halloween, Eddie swears he hears a faint laugh outside his window…
soft, warm — and just a little too close.
ID:ghibli