She waited, nearly falling asleep twice in the last half-hour. It was 11.45 PM, the witching hour close at hand.

No children would be roaming the streets trick or treating at this late hour. She slid off the bed, pulled the curtain open and pressed her face to the cold window pane, blocking out the dim light from the bedside lamp behind her. First she glanced left. Street lights eliminated the streets. Cars still dominated the streets; neon advertising banners above the retail shops strobbing the dark recess of the night sky.

She twisted to the right, ah, much better... this area was much darker, no cars, no street lights no houses actually populated this area. She tilted her head up. The moon, yes, there it was, bright alluring and mysterious. She let the curtain fall back in place, turning and retracing her steps she sat on the edge of the bed and slipped on her boots. She had prepared for this night as she had for the last 10 years. Next she walked over to the closet, opening the door cautiously – there it stood.

How many times over the years had she stood in this same place on this particular night of the year, anticipating and delighting in the secrets that this night will bring.
She tenderly picked up the broom, reached up and placed the 'hat' on her unrestrained black curls and then wrapped the dark heavy cloak around herself. Only one more item needed collecting.

Now where was he? She quickly glanced at her watch – 11.50 PM – ten more minutes and then she would have to be on her way. So where was he? Ah there he was, curled up fast asleep just barely visible under her discarded work clothes. Time to go.

She stretched and picked him up and silently left the room. Memories were flooding back into her mind, of days long ago when she first became aware of her powers. When she first began to experience the pull of the moon the need to be free on this particular night. She was born on this night, anything and everything of relevance in her life happened on this night. She made her way out of the building, no one saw or heard her, that is if anyone happened to be awake in the building. The cold air encouraged a few deep breaths, a smile tugged at her lips, her eyes searching the star-less heavens all her senses heightened her blood racing through her veins warming her as thoroughly as a furnace.

An owl hooted, momentarily startling her and her companion. The wind, sensing her presence increased its force, disturbing the rubbish littering the pavement. It was time... time to meet up with others like her... time to share time honored practices she and only a few now alive shared on this night.

He stirred in her arms, lifted his proud feline head and sniffed in approval - it was time. She managed to make her appearances just as the doors were being closed against the world. She found her place amongst her colleagues and relaxed nodding welcome to those who acknowledged her presence.

The annual re-union dinner of her high school chums had commenced.