She should love it: the one night of the year she could really be herself.

She could wear the full uniform with pride. The black pointy hat, the black corset and flowing skirt, the striped stockings and uncomfortable clogs.

She could take the old broomstick, consigned to the indignity of sweeping floors for the rest of the year, and fly over the town in the crisp night sky.

There was no need for layers of make-up, the warts were on full display, deemed a nice touch and brilliantly realistic – no longer a gross skin flaw to be sneered at.

Penelope sat in her bedroom and sighed. She looked round at the decapitated doll heads, frogs legs and the eyes of newts collected on the shelves. She cleared a space and put the sad little trophy next to them.

Mother would be so disappointed with her. Third prize for ‘Best Costume’ at the school Halloween party. Beaten by a Stormtrooper (shop bought, no effort) and Melissa, painted yellow and wearing silly glasses – she didn’t even look like a Minion.

‘Wonderful costume, Penelope, very detailed,’ Mrs. Harburton had said, handing over the small plastic trophy. ‘A little traditional though, don’t you think?’

Written as part of Sunday Photo Fiction. Write a story of around 200 words based on the photo prompt given (above). Hosted by Al Forbes. For more details visit HERE.

To read more stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.