Raymond

The report card gave them tremendous pride; little Raymond was honored with his favorite breakfast (tea [mild with one sugar skull for sweetness] and coffin-shaped pancakes). "The teacher says you are thoughtful and kind, smart and funny," his father said. "And that you mind the ghost children as well as the living ones," his mother added. Raymond nodded and smiled. "Remember to be careful with the ghost children (he was); don't scare the teacher and the other students with stories about them (he tried not to) and ... don't invite them home (he would never)." Raymond nodded and smiled again. They all tucked in with relish, eyeing the blood red tart cherry trifle on the counter, happy to be autumn people in October country.