Wendy has always enjoyed Halloween since she knew its existence. Not only does she get to dress up like monsters but she can also scare others to get treat from them. Candy is a heavenly treat to her sweet little teeth as she gobbles them down knowing she might get sick tomorrow morning. But there's one other special thing that she loves the most in this holiday, it's following the town's myths. Casterfil has been known for its famous spooky stories around the wood. Haunted house, abandoned mansion, monsters lurking in the forsaken forest, they have it all. Every year, during Halloween, children would gather around at the old house near the clock tower – the residence of Granny Prudens – to hear the old lady tell stories next to the flickering oil lamp. Some are frightened, some are curious. Little Wendy was different from the rest. Fueled by her greed for adventure, she was a daredevil who's always out hunting those myths. Every little stunt she pulled on Halloween scares the life out of her parents. There was time her parents had to call a search party just to find her snooping up the tree looking for a man-eating squirrel. No matter how many times her parents warn her, she couldn't help but wandering further into the wood, hoping to find those allegorical creatures in Granny Prudens stories.

The clock strikes nine. The kids start to round up on the soft grass in Granny's yard. Chattering arise by kids wondering what Granny had in store for them today. But all were silenced as they hear the door creaked. An old lady in her 80s steps out in her baby blue dress as she speaks to the kids:

"Well? Don't you kids want to come inside for some stories?"

"Of course we do, Granny!" The children replied

After all has seated themselves on the red round carpet in the living room, Granny Prudens steps in with a tray which has a set of tea for one and candy bowl on the side. She sits comfortably on the armchair while carefully pour her tea. Sipping from the cup, she asks:

"Today, I will tell you the story of magical place. Are we all set? Good. Now let the story begins.

This is the story of the never-ending fountain of treats. When I was small, I've heard the story of a magical fountain deep within the forest. It is said to flow out endless candies on the night of Halloween, when the moon shines and the trail appears, leading us to heaven. Of course, there's a catch for this. You can only eat the candy until midnight and eat them right there at the fountain. Because if you stay pass midnight or try to bring the treats back home, there will be consequences waiting for you."

"Granny, why would something bad happen to us if we stayed too long?"

"Well children, the fountain can only be found when the moon show you the way on Halloween. When midnight come, the trail will disappear and you will forever lost in the wood."

"What about taking treats? What if we just want to share them with our friends?"

"The treat was meant as a prize for those that find their way to the fountain. But there's something else I heard. Whispers about the true story behind the place. There was once a selfish little kid who hate sharing his Halloween treats with others. He hid his loots in the base underneath this very place, hoping one day he can enjoy his own little party without anyone else disturbing his sweet time. But what he didn't know is that the candies he saved was being taken by other who had found out his secret little hideout. On that Halloween day, he opened up the latch to his own sanctuary and soon found out that there's nothing left, not even a piece of licorice. Driven by his own wrath, he swore to find every single one of those that had taken those treats from him. He is said to be protecting the fountain from intruders till this very day."

"Is this all true Granny?"

"It depends on you"

Wendy smirks wickedly. She has heard tons of stories from Granny but this one is truly a spot on. A heavenly fountain of candies, a dream come true to this young girl right here. She determined to find the fountain tonight and quietly snuck out as she fled to the wood.

"Granny, what would happen if we meet the boy?"

"I don't know, dear but it would be impossible to see the boy. He died next to fountain while holding on to the latch leading to base, they said."

******************************

The moon is really bright today. Little Wendy speeds up to the exterior of the wood before her. The trees painted in black and white with the occasional "woot" of the owl. It feels eerie and spine-chilling. All of a sudden, she saw something twinkle in the dark. A small dirt path with gleaming marbles, which is usually near the river, aligned neatly on its sides. Wendy glared at the barrier between them. Accidents had happened here and there in the past so fences were built to keep the wandering kids away from it. Wendy snickers at the thought. She was on the search for her dream and some stupid branches can't stop her. She quickly climb over the fences and follow the little trail into the unknown.

I must be quick, it's already 9pm. I don't want the other kids to hog all the candy.

Wendy follows the trail. It wasn't long until she smells the sweet sugary fragrance in the air. She can feel her own excitement as she runs toward the direction of the aroma. But much to her disappointment, all she saw was a plan grassless circle field. There isn't anything resembling a fountain here, only a few broken stone lanterns lying on the ground. Wendy was frustrated. She really expected this one to exist. But just like those misadventures she had, the results are all the same. She sits on the grass nearby and mutters a few curse word. The sound of bushes steals her attention. She looks around as she held it tightly onto her flashlight. She's a bit scared, praying that it was just some deers passing by. Fortunately, a boy shows up. He seems to be around her age, wearing a green overall along with a purple long sleeve, top it up with a black beanie and a pair of brown shoes. His blue irises land on Wendy as he broke into a cheeky voice

"You must be Wendy, aren't you"

"How did you know my name?"

"I don't just know your name. I even know that you what you're looking for. Never-ending fountain, am I correct?"

"Woah, you're right! I am looking for it! But there's nothing here but broken lanterns."

"See those tiny mushrooms near your shoes? Have a bite and you'll see whatever you want to see." The boy turns back and prepares to leave

"Wait, how do I know that you're telling me the truth?"

"Don't you want to find out that yourself?" the boy raised his eyebrow

"Hmm, you're right. By the way, who are you? Are you here for the candy too?"

"No, I'm here because of something much more interesting that's about to happen soon. The name is Veleno. Hope you'll find what you want"

That's what the boy said before he left. Wendy doubting herself but deep down, she would do anything to see the fountain with her own eyes. Carefully dusting one of the mushrooms with tiny brown head, she bites in and swallows. As soon as she did so, her head starts to feel tingling. Her vision is filled with blurry colors before she notice lantern lights from afar. Wendy slowly moves toward them and is amazed with what she saw. In front of her is a colorful world of sweets. All the candies she could imagine are floating right in front of her. Wendy is overjoyed. And right in the center she saw, a magnificent white marbles fountain bursting with treats. No words could describe how great Wendy felt right now. She has finally found it! The magical fountain of never-ending treats! Drowning in the sweet prize, she wishes she could stay here forever. She gulps all those gummy bears and lollipops to the hard candies along with licorice. Oh what a wonderful dream this is.

"Another glutton down the hole" a smile appears from afar

******************************

"Another one this year?" a distressed look was sent to the opposite

"Yes, sir. This year was Wendy Polk, 9 years old, live on 1 Rover road" a sigh could be heard

"And let me guess, Casterfil?"

"You're correct, sir"

Connors rubbed his temples as he picked up the files. This wasn't the first case of missing but it was the first one to be found. The photo of the little girl smiling compared to her decay body wasn't exactly pleasant to see. After reading the examination, he was informed that little Wendy died by mushroom poisoning and she had carried along with her a flashlight and a notebook. There was a page ripped from the notebook and was found crumbling inside the mouth with words written on it.

"Looks like you found what you want, Wendy"