“I can’t believe it’s Halloween,” my friend Samantha said to me.

“I know. I feel like it was just yesterday we were at the beach,” I replied.

“Well, you know what they say. Time flies when you are having fun,” she laughed, even when you’re not.

“That’s true.” Life has been fun. The summer had been a blast, and so far autumn has been just as exciting. We also have been really busy; working in a small town café keeps us moving especially during lunch rush. I’m thankful for my job. The long hours keep me busy, and I meet the most interesting people. Most times when I leave the café. It’s usually very dark out, especially this time of year.

“So Dakota, did you have a good day?” Samantha asked, as we were closing up.

“Yeah, I did. What about you?”

“It was alright, but kind of weird,” she stated.

“Really? How?”

“There was this guy in my section who was odd. I got this weird feeling around him.”

“Well, this is the time for the ghoul’s to come around,” I teased.

“That’s true,” she laughed. “But he definitely wasn’t a ghoul. I don’t think.”

“Come on. There’s no such thing,” I pointed out.

“I know, but something weird happened. I was taking this guy’s order, and everything seemed normal. But when you passed the table, his whole demeanor changed. He seemed cold, and I could have sworn. Forget it. My eyes were probably just playing tricks on me. It’s nothing.”

“No, it’s not. Whatever he said or did upset you. What happened?” I asked.

“You remember Smaug, right?

“You mean from the Hobbit?” she questioned.

“Yeah.”

“Remember how his eyes looked.

“I could have sworn his eyes turned that yellow and then changed back to normal. It was so fast, but it was right after you walked by,” she explained.

“You serious? Did he say anything?”

“Yeah, he did actually. He asked about your faith.”

“He did?” I asked, surprised he would even think to ask that. “What did you say?”

“I didn’t know what to say. I said that I thought you were a Christian, but he interrupted me and said that you definitely were. It was weird. Why did he ask me that question if he already knew the answer? And how did he know?”

“I’m not sure,” I said. It was very unusual for someone to ask that unless they were having a conversation with me. I don’t know any other way he would know that. I mean I do wear my cross necklace, but it’s not always visible because of my uniform. As we closed the café for the night, we went our separate ways home. While walking, I had a weird feeling – the feeling you have when someone is watching you. Walking in the moonlight, I quickened my pace. I turned to look behind me, and I saw a dark figure walking briskly toward me. He was a good distance behind me, but he could easily catch up to me. I started to run, and as I ran out of stamina, I looked behind me, and he was gone. He disappeared.

“Dakota!” an angry voice yelled to me.

I screamed out, “Who’s there!” I have never been so afraid in my life, turning in circles to see if I could see anyone shadowing me.

“Dakota!” the voice yelled again. This time hearing the voice from the direction I was heading.

“Who are you?” I shouted.

“Don’t you know me?” the voice asked, dauntingly. “I’m hurt you don’t remember me.”

“Have we met before?” I questioned.

“Oh yes, I’ve known you since your birth, and I know everything about you,” the voice said. His eyes came through the darkness and glowed a dull yellow. “I know your darkest, deepest secrets.”

“Who are you?”

“I am someone who can fulfill your every desire. All you have to do is choose me to be your master.”

“No, I can’t. I won’t. I have already chosen my Master, and He can give me so much more than you can.”

“You will regret it!” the Tempter yelled. “I can make your worst fears come to life.”

“No, you can’t. You have nothing over me. You have no power here!” I answered back.

“We will see about that!” he screeched and moved into the light, revealing his true identity. Just as he came running towards me, I jumped up and opened my eyes. Looking around, I see that I am no longer on the dark street but in my safe bed. I can see the light from the morning sun coming in from my window. I sigh a breath of relief, and I swing my legs off the bed. As I glance at my nightstand, I jump out of bed and reach for my Bible. With my Bible in my hands, I head to the kitchen and sit at the table. Preparing to do my devotions, I look out the window and thank my Lord for His promises.

Thinking out loud, “Not today, Satan. Not today.”