Katie smiled to herself as she heard the girls downstairs. They were all giggling and chatting away as they prepared to go out and trick or treat.
"This should be great fun," she thought as she went downstairs herself. At the bottom of the step, the group of first graders greeted her with gap toothed smiles. Claudia was dressed as a lion, Mika a dragon, Tricia was a teddy bear, Sammy was a princess and her little "boyfriend" was a knight. Mary Elise, Kelly's daughter, was dressed in a matching witche's outfit. Katie smiled to think of this little girl. Mary always wanted to be just like Katie, the two almost felt more like sisters than aunt and niece.
"Alright girls, are we ready?"
"Yeah!" Came the exuberant reply.
"Alright, keep your flashlights and stay close." She offered her hand out and Mary took it. As the girls walked house to house, Katie couldn't help but marvel at their energy. It made her ... well, a bit jealous. "Oh to be young again." She thought to herself. It seemed like ages since she was that age. She'd pondered using the ring to change her age to a child, but being the responsible one was always important.
"Still, Kelly sure is lucky to have such a sweet little girl. I wish I did...."