Author's Note- There are stories you write because you're bored. There are stories you write because the idea won't leave you be. Then, there are stories you write because you have to. This is one of those.

Guess which character is speaking. I dropped a few hints.

I can handle a lot.

I can handle the loneliness, I can handle the backhanded comments, and I can handle being a freak. I can even handle danger, and pressure, and sleepless nights.

I can handle a lot.

I'm used to it. I try so hard to be perfect. I'm funny, smart, and kind to everyone. At least, I thought I was. They usually leave me alone, and I leave them alone. This goes for everyone in town. They just don't accept me for some reason, though I've lived here since I was three. Like I said, though, I'm used to it.

I just… I thought tonight would be different. That's all. All Hallows Eve. The one day I could shine. A girl like me can stand out as the best when everyone is trying to be frightening. I had been planning my costume for months. I wore a white dress, splattered with blood, painted my veins black, put black eye shadow in circles all around my eyes, and even wore real pearls for accents. I wore a long, black wig, and I was a picture of fear. I was so excited… the one night a year I could be a princess… I don't need much; just one day a year… is that too much to ask?

Nothing changed. I tried so hard to be perfect, I worked so hard, I put so much into tonight… they ignored me. They said, "Nice costume," if that, and moved on. I was still alone. I got plenty of candy, but who cares? I didn't want stupid candy, I wanted to have one night… just one… where I could feel alive.

I hate this stupid small town. I want to get out. I so want to get out.

I sat down on a swing in a nearby playground, let the long black hair make a curtain in front of my face, and cried. Everyone could see me. No one cared. Maybe they thought it was a plea for attention. Maybe they were right. The thing was, I was in a lot of pain. I thought about running into the nearby woods, or even following the train tracks to the city… but in the end, I just sat there and cried. It just hurts so much, feeling like you don't exist wondering if anyone would miss you if you died. You would almost rather be bullied, or something. Anything is better than to be alone.

I can handle a lot. I can handle this. I just wish I didn't have to.