The wind whispered through the dark, empty trees like a warning in a foreign language. Winter was coming, and with winter came the rise of the holiday season. Eddie shattered then took another swig out of his can. Normal people thought that Halloween was the scariest time of year. But retail workers like him knew better. The wide panicked eyes, the mouths foaming in impatient anger. Could he handle another season of the screaming, of the spitting in his face? Eddie’s feet kicked at the leaves along the path, a chill crawled up his spine. A twig snapped not too far away, halting his steps. His breath drew sharper in his chest. He’d stayed out too late again, and that could mean only one thing. She was here.
“Have you come to finally accept my offer?” a haunting voice floated past his right ear.
“There has to be a catch, there always is.” Eddie replied, unwilling to turn and face her.
“Why won’t you trust me? I just want to grant you a gift, Eddie.”
Hearing his name come out of her mouth made the hairs on his body stand on end.
“I get to trade places with each person who harassed me at work, for one day at a time, so they can see things from the other side. I have that right?”
“You do.”
The breeze pushed at his back, again warning of the upcoming season. Eddie let out a sigh.
“Alright, I accept.”
After all, what could she do to him that was worse than customer service during Christmas?