Thomas was left in awe of Alicia's choice of costume. She who had always worn a fairly sporty look, sporting the high school teddy in abundance, and who had made only one exception for the back-to-school ball, now appeared before him in a most extravagant outfit.

The colors in her hair, her lipstick, and her particularly flashy outfit baffled Thomas.

— Ready ? she asked.

He nodded and let her walk past him. His surprise was now mingled with joy, for beyond donning a suit that matched his own, he realized that Alicia was keen to behave like his accomplice at all times.

He went down too and saw Tracy touching up James's vampire makeup. She had donned a black witch costume, consisting of a large black robe and pointy hat, while James wore a long black cape, a red suit waistcoat, and sharp false teeth. Both looked great in their suits.

— There you are, Tracy said while finishing her husband's makeup.

— Yes, we're ready, Alicia replied.

— You decided to change your costume this year, that's good.

— Yes, I told myself that since Thomas is with us this year, I could test something else.

— You did well, James added. The same for Mr. Joker.

Thomas smiled at those words, then the whole family walked to the garage. James drove for a few minutes toward downtown Orlando. On the way, Thomas was able to admire an even more grandiose setting than the activities of the Walker district. All the streets were illuminated, the houses competed with each other more gigantic than the next, while groups of teenagers and families passed each other in a friendly atmosphere. Finally, James parked in front of a building with a storefront lit by red neon lights.

— We have arrived, he exclaimed.

— I’m not going to give you a chance, Alicia sneered at Thomas.

At the time, he did not understand what the young girl meant. Until he got out of the car and saw the inscription on the building in front of him: Bowling.

— Oh, cool, he rejoices.

He followed James and Tracy who entered first, and was surprised when Alicia came to stand against his left arm.

— We must get into our characters, she smiles. But that’s not that I’m going to let you win.

— I should hope so.

Thomas reached into his pocket, searching for his wallet, when Alicia stopped him.

— The games are free for everyone in fancy dress, that's what we come for every year, she explained.

— Great, he rejoices.

Arm in arm, the two teenagers walked in after James and Tracy. Inside the bowling alley, a joyful cacophony reigned. Alicia and Thomas made their way between zombies, vampires, witches, werewolves and other monsters. The building was packed.

— Nice, huh? Alicia pointed out.

— Yes very.

James motioned for them to follow him, then came to sit with Tracy at one of the last free tables.

— There will be a little bit of a wait, he explained. It is better to be patient sitting rather than standing.

As Alicia and James took their turn, a young woman dressed in a bloodstained hospital gown introduced herself.

— Hello, do you want to order something?

— No thanks, that will be fine, interrupted Tracy.

Thomas noticed the embarrassment in her gaze, which was now pointing to the slopes, as the waitress moved to another table.

— Let me pay for my tour, that would make me happy, I insist, implored Thomas.

— That's very kind of you Thomas, said James, but you better keep your money. This is not the kind of expense we are used to.

— I haven't had a chance to thank you yet for all you do for me, he insisted. I really want to return the favor tonight.

— Okay, James agreed. But save your money for the future.

Thomas then called the waitress back, who took the orders.

* * *

As James sipped his beer straight from the neck of the bottle, Tracy took a sip of her cocktail.

— We come here every year, explained Tracy.

— And every year I win, Alicia said with a big smile.

— The first years, we let you win.

— Don’t count on me to do the same this year.

Laughter mingled with the surrounding conversations. The atmosphere was relaxed and everyone seemed happy to be celebrating Halloween. Everyone was dressed up for the occasion, and the place was perfectly decorated, so Thomas could easily imagine himself in another world.

— Don’t count on me either, I want to win, he added, smiling.

— Have you ever done any? asked Tracy.

— Yes, sometimes with my parents during the holidays.

— Well, this is a great competitor here, James said happily. Not sure you're winning again this year my daughter.

— That’s what we'll see, Alicia replied with a smile on her lips.

Suddenly, the sound of a microphone was heard.

— Number 15, please come to the reception to pick up shoes.

— It’s ours, James said, collecting his beer.

Everyone walked to the front desk, drinks in hand, picked up shoes, and then took their places on the track. Thomas sat down on one of the benches and watched Alicia take off. She threw her ball which rolled at high speed on the right side, at the edge of the gutter.

— I think you're starting badly, Thomas laughed.

— Don’t be so sure.

As the ball advanced to the point of falling into the gutter, Thomas was inwardly jubilant. This was also the case for Alicia, who jumped for joy when the ball abruptly changed direction and came to push the middle pins.

— Strike! she cried when all the pins had fallen.

— But how did you do it?

— Those are years of practice Thomas, I told you that I won't give you a chance, she smiles.

Thomas in turn took one of the balls and walked down the track. He paused for a moment, took a few steps back, then picked up his momentum and tossed the ball right in the middle. The pins collided as it passed, but not all of them fell.

— Split!