Halloween came to town like a quiet, orange wind. Nina carried a pumpkin lantern and a candy bag. Next to her walked Maks, counting the stairs and the stars above the roof. Misty Street ended at an old building with a bat. There, instead of the usual bell, a small blue button shone. On the wall someone had written in chalk: "Courage has a sweet taste". Nina looked around and the leaves danced like ghost confetti. - Who makes such jokes just today and why? - she asked, lowering her voice. Maks suddenly stopped and touched a strange string by the threshold. The string was like a spider's thread, but a little warm. It led to the letterbox, where someone had left an envelope. On the envelope was Nina's name, written in silver marker. - 'After all, I didn't give anyone my address,' she muttered, furrowing her brow. Inside lay a bell, tiny and blue as morning. When Nina picked it up, the tenement sighed through the cracks in the door. The lantern flicked on, and the blue bell itself chimed quietly. The door swung open a finger's breadth, though no one pushed it open. From inside there was a whiff of cinnamon, dust and something like a night orchard. Tiny footprints glittered on the floor, as if someone had walked in glitter. - Trick or treat? - A voice asked, but it was not a neighbour. It sounded like the rustling of cards, and yet it waited for an answer. Maks nodded to Nina to try calling again. The clock in the hallway struck once, then a second, and the bell clanged. A shadow rose on the stairs and began to form someone's hat. Suddenly the blue button flashed again, and the door opened wider. And something tapped lightly from deep inside, as if inviting their step.