I wonder what the citizens of Westfield would think if they knew a monster lived in their midst? Of course, there is no proof of such a thing, but what if it were true? Would they even do anything about it?

While I have an active imagination, I also have a healthy sense of skepticism. Yes, okay, I'm a witch, but there are things even I roll my eyes at. I'd name them, but I would insult a few people I know, including some close friends.

I have to admit, though, that my hackles have been raised by seemingly innocuous events that, put together, spell something a little bit sinister. Of course, it doesn't help that it's the full moon tonight. (Which, by the way, go out and look at: she's beautiful.)

I was out for my evening constitutional (and yes, I realize that makes me sound ancient) when I spied said moon rising above the clouds to my left. The sun was going down quickly, and the clouds to my right were all shades of violet and rose. I quickened my pace in order to make it down to the mill pond in time to get some sunset pictures before the colors fled.



It really is a wonderful spot to take sunset photos. I watched until they faded, and headed back toward home. The light was fading fast, and the sidewalks were empty. I then heard a sound that could only be coming from some sort of landscaping equipment, and wondered who in their right mind would be landscaping as darkness fell. As I passed the hedge along the sidewalk, I spotted a tall man next to the big Victorian house on the corner. He was rototilling the area next to the house. In the dark. I stopped and stared at him for a moment, but he never even looked up at me, he just kept tilling the dark soil.

The house is one of those fancy Victorians, with turrets that have a pointed roofs, and leaded glass at the top of the windows.



I walk by there all the time, but I can't recall ever seeing anyone in the yard, or even through the windows for that matter. Not that I am in the habit of looking into people's windows, but you can't help but look at them because of the lovely leaded glass.

I then recalled a curious incident from a few weeks ago: I was walking by there after supper, and there was a man walking his dog coming from the other way. As they started to walk by this house, the dog hesitated, and then started growling. It was curious because this was a friendly golden retriever I'd passed many times before, and he always had a wagging tail and big doggy grin for me. This time, though, he strained at the leash to walk as far from the house as he could; as soon as they were past it, his tail started wagging again and he pulled on his leash to run up and greet me. His owner said nothing about his odd behavior, but I caught him glancing over his shoulder at the house when we went our separate ways. The only thing I could think of at the time was that there was some sort of animal in the bushes, but what if the dog was sensing something else? I mean, what kind of person does landscaping work at night? Exactly. Someone who can't come out in the daylight.

I think we may have a monster living in our neighborhood. I think I will not be walking down that street after dark anymore. I think I may pick up some extra garlic next time I go to the store.