Book Eight: Chapter 157

On their way to the next house, Callisto couldn’t help but notice when his sister’s hand quickly dipped into a toddler’s orange bucket. Moments later, a Tootsie Roll candy wrapper fell to the ground and he stopped to pick it up.

“You shouldn’t litter,” he said. “It’s not only a misdemeanor crime, but is also unethical.”

Grace tilted her head to one side to consider this, then nodded. “Eat wrapper,” she replied.

“No, that’s not what I...” Callisto sighed. Being the older sibling was difficult at times. “Just don’t make yourself sick,” he advised.

They found the house that the earlier children had mentioned. Callisto waited at the curb as a group of kids walked up to the door and were greeted by a stereotypical witch who carried a plastic cauldron laden with full-sized candy bars. His eyes widened and he licked his lips in anticipation.

“This is it,” he proclaimed. “The pinnacle achievement of every child who has ever dared to beg strangers for candy.”