Laughter filled the car, mixing with the hauntingly hilarious sound of the mechanical skeleton that sat in the backseat. Indeed, buckled next to dear little Gerald Fitzgibben sat a life-size decorative skeleton (though Mrs. Fitzgibben thought his head was rather small). The toy had a little button that could make it talk and move its jaw, which amused the child seated next to it, and pleased her parents who sat in front.
It was October, and outside, stunning hues of orange, yellow, red, and green zipped by in a picturesque blur. The Fitzgibbens were returning from a shopping spree. A skeleton had not been what they were looking for, but Mrs. Fitzgibben’s child-like enthusiasm was convincing. Oh, we must not let the little joys pass us by. Even if Mr. Fitzgibben’s wallet did not agree, it was with love and respect for his family that he played along. Or perhaps he was as enthusiastic as his wife, but could not show it.
As for little Gerald Fitzgibben, she already adored the skeleton. Not for its decorative aspect: she cared as little for that as she did its price. No, Gerald was glad for the skeleton’s personality. She felt its presence brought along a light feeling of autumn giddiness that filled her with joy. Of course, this was simply due to the exciting autumn stimulants about, such as pumpkins, shopping sprees, and heading home to a warm leek porridge. But Gerald was just a child, and as far as she knew, the skeleton was capable of extraordinary things.
It sat at the kitchen table next to the Fitzgibbens as they ate dinner that evening. The skeleton was even given a cup of its own. After dinner, it stood propped against the living room wall with attitude: Mrs. Fitzgibben’s move. The next morning, it was at the piano: Little Gerald’s idea. The day after, it occupied the couch; Mr. Fitzgibben acted as surprised as everyone.
Over the following days, the skeleton watched TV, completed a sudoku, read the newspaper, played new instruments, drank tea, and ate snacks. Every evening, it sat at the dinner table and discussed the day’s events with the Fitzgibbens, who were ever so grateful to have it around.
Decorations appeared in the house as rhythmically as the skeleton’s movements, counting the days until Halloween. Mrs. Fitzgibben’s calendar was booked on the last day of the month: out to Gerald’s beloved Uncle Jay they would go. He lived in a more developed neighbourhood, perfect for when they would all go trick-or-treating after a nice fall dinner prepared by both Mrs. Fitzgibbens. Gerald’s mother would bring pumpkin pie, or perhaps apple pie. Perhaps both, because we must not let the little joys pass us by.
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On the evening of Halloween, the skeleton watched from its new outdoor spot as the Fitzgibbens’ car rolled swiftly out of the driveway. The skeleton remained still as the few neighbouring trick-or-treaters came and went. It sat, silently observing the various costumes and candies, observing polite interactions and awkward attempts at jumpscares that got less awkward as the night went on. The younger trick-or-treaters soon retreated, replaced by the partying teenagers in their loud cars and gory costumes.
The skeleton remained still as a shiny Mustang pulled up in the driveway. It was not the Fitzgibbens. The skeleton remained still as the car’s doors opened to reveal Ghostface and Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger. Even a wannabe skeleton was amongst them; the Fitzgibbens’ skeleton would have laughed, had his button been pressed. The gang were a joyous lot. A loud, giddy, possibly under the influence lot. They picked the skeleton up carefully by its spine, made it dance a little jig, and passed it about. It danced from hand to hand until it found a spot in the backseat of the Mustang. The familiar feeling of being buckled in calmed its nonexistent nerves as the motor rumbled to a start. There were shouts of glee when the wannabe skeleton found the real skeleton’s button. “I’ve got my eyes on you!” repeated the Fitzgibbens’ skeleton, hauntingly hilarious, moving its jaw out of time with its mechanical laugh.
Unbuckled, pulled out, and dragged about. If the skeleton could feel, it would have experienced the texture of sand brushing its feet and a cool ocean breeze on its face. It would have heard the sound of loud music and partying that filled the air. It was seated next to an enormous bonfire, forgotten as its holder’s hands were occupied with greetings and accepting drinks.
Once again, the skeleton remained still. It remained still as a couple made out next to it. It remained still as the gang of youths danced about the fire and dared each other to go swimming in the frigid ocean. It remained still as the moon rose to its highest point and the bonfire started to fade. It remained still as the fancy cars drove away loudly and the sun peaked over the horizon.
The skeleton sat observing the beautiful hues of pink and yellow that streaked the sky when something stirred on the ground next to it. A fellow (wannabe) skeleton rose and looked groggily at the Fitzgibbens’ skeleton. The teenager grabbed a chair and installed himself next to the Halloween decoration. He reached out and pressed the Fitzgibben skeleton’s button. “I’ve got my eyes on you,” claimed the skeleton, its jaw going wild as it laughed in the chilly morning dew. Side by side, the two skeletons laughed, their eyes on the beautiful world that surrounded them.
Author: Arielle Guay; Editor: Mia Bouchard; Picture: Melanie Langlois
