I Belong to a Witch — Episode 1: Don’t Let Her In

A micro-story that opens on a quiet porch. Thirty Halloweens after Darius died in this town and somehow came back, the paramedic is marking the night alone with one cupcake, one candle and Duke, his old dog. Then a voice message lands with a blunt warning: whatever happens, don't let her in. The doorbell answers it.

Outside waits a red-haired witch in black lace and a pointed hat, a single rose in her hand. Morgana calls him 'birthday boy' and already knows his name. Darius laughs, points her toward the party two houses down and turns the lock. Seconds later, rose petals spiral up out of his candle flame and she is standing in his kitchen, smiling. He tells her to leave. Her reply is the sting that closes Episode 1 of I Belong to a Witch: 'Careful, love… my roses have thorns.'