Page 18 - IAV Digital Magazine #628

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a halloween Miracle
In the small town of Willow Creek, Halloween was a gloomy affair for Mia, a shy 12-year-old who felt invisible. Her family had moved there after a tough year, and she struggled to make friends.
This Halloween, she decided to skip trick-or-treating, feeling too out of place.
But her neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, an elderly woman known for her spooky yet enchanting Halloween decora- tions, had other plans.
She invited Mia to help carve pumpkins for the neighborhood’s
annual jack-o’-lantern contest. Reluctantly, Mia agreed, drawn by Mrs. Thompson’s warm smile.
As they carved, Mrs. Thompson shared stories of her own child- hood struggles and how she found courage through creativity.
Inspired, Mia poured her heart into her pumpkin, carving a daz- zling starburst design that glowed with hope.
When the neighborhood gath- ered, her jack-o’-lantern won first place, earning cheers from kids who’d never noticed her before.
That night, Mia joined the trick-
or-treaters, her confidence sparked by the win. She laughed, shared candy, and made her first friends.
Mrs. Thompson watched, her eyes twinkling like the candles in the pumpkins. Mia realized Halloween wasn’t just about scares—it was about connection and courage.
The next year, Mia led the town’s Halloween festivities, her star- burst pumpkin a symbol of her newfound strength. In Willow Creek, Halloween became a night of unity, proving that even the shyest heart can shine.
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