Great short story and perfect for Halloween. My favorite line was this: "where everybody “swallows” instead of “taste” the moments". Mainly because it's become so true in today's world. I often discuss this with friends when we're out. You go see something beautiful or experience some event and everyone is filming it or taking pictures instead of just enjoying it. And as much as I'd like to say I'm different, I'm not. I try to stay aware of this for those special moments but still it was this line in your short story that struck me the most.

It's a scary thought that the world could result in a similar state of existence as the one you've done so well at describing here. Scary but always possible. I think stories like this are good because they can serve as a reminder of where things can go if we're not careful with and grateful for what we have.

Thanks so much for sharing! I very much enjoyed reading your story.