Falling back in a combination of fear and shock, I slipped grabbing onto the basin. I became stiff and confused especially when I heard muffling sounds. Like coming from a chamber it was distant and muted. I slowly pulled myself up and somehow gained the courage to look again into the mirrow. It was steamed and I slowly took my hand and wiped as to give it some clarity. I was now looking at my own reflection. Gone was the angry girl but I still heard muffled voices. I grabbed my belongings and slowly opened the door to the hallway. Seeing no one I quickly made it to my room, closed the door and secured the latch. I ‘m not sure what I felt although I knew what I experienced was not normal, at least not for me. I had to shake this ridiculousness off. My mind must be getting overactive with all the research I covered today. I have to get some sleep. Like if I can sleep now. Parts of Salem’s historic records bothered me. Could a community be so convinced, so uneducated to applying common sense that they would base their final judgment on sickness and the ravings of young children? Could these people who never really had life easy and experienced many times sickness and early deaths be so sure that there was an evil controlling their destinies? And for such young children talking of devils and demons so convincingly that the town elders saw themselves justified in damming some of their neighbors? I mean teaching values and morals to develop good Christian character and control in your offspring and using hell, and damnation as a possible sentence is extreme in itself, but the information that spewed from these kids had to be much more than church teachings. I just couldn’t stop thinking about the victims and how cruel and senseless their deaths. I decided to stop focusing on Salem and think about the other capitol S in my life, Steve. I had such a great time sharing this evening with him. He had a way about him that made it seem as if you knew him forever. Just talking and walking made time pass with such ease. I have never felt so comfortable with anyone like this and I really could get use to it. Thinking about him put me into a very relaxed state that I know I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

Surprisingly enough I must have been in a coma because when morning came I felt fresh and ready for a new day of Salem. I dressed and prepared my photo bag for a day of shooting and replaced my pad with a new one. I would call my client right after breakfast and promise some shots and samples to review for the magazine. It was Thursday, October 20^th which gives me about 5 days to return home, edit and meet with the magazine staff. I know I can put this together so it will draw their audience. The cover has to be extra colorful and the caption has to strike immediate reactions. It has to pop off the newsstands on every New York corner. Maybe something three dimensional, hmmm, that would be different. I know this technique was done with comic books at one time.

The Antique and Gift Shop seemed to be a perfect start. A close up of the outside was ideal. The window décor was enhanced with holiday trimmings. There were black candles, carved bowls, a large metal cauldron, ladles; two brooms that resembled what usually accompanied a witches costume only full sized and very authentic to the period they were to represent. A bell above the entrance jingled as Rebecca entered. There were two couples seemingly taking interest in some of the black cauldrons piled on a side table. Look Jack, these would go great on our front porch filled with mums, don't you think? “He nodded showing agreement to her observation and helped her carry them over to the sales counter where older gentlemen stood waiting to ring up their purchases. It seemed that they had already gathered a number of items all related to an autumn setting. There were numerous candles in black, orange, yellow, and deep plum. Next to the candles were some mini caldrons that I overheard the older woman of the two, who seemed to be traveling with them, comment on how great it would be to fill them with treats and used as seat placements for their dinner guest. "That's a great idea, Hon, said the tall stocky man who stood slightly behind her supporting her from under her left elbow. I then realized that the older woman was in need of support because when she turned to her left facing him I saw the walking stick she was leaning heavily on close to the outside of her right foot. "Yes, dear, I think we'll take a dozen. We can fill them with little candies." The clerk began ringing up their goods when the other fellow in the group bought over an old tarnished dagger. "This will add a sense of drama, don't you think? Great prop, isn't it? "Michael, you are so cleaver, I love it.” After all items were wrapped, bagged and the sale complete, they bid good day and left. The older gent then placed a tighter grip under the arm of the woman escorting her through the front door.
I thought, what a great way to spend a chilly autumn evening with friends. Setting up a mystery dinner party on Hallow Eve and taking such care with detail to make it that much more authentic was evidence of how much these activities meant to the town's people. I decided to take a gander around the shop before I asked if the owner would mine me taking some shots. It was a fairly large room divided into sections by large tables and cases. "That sounds like a really great way for adults to spend Halloween night at home". "Yes, he said, they do it every year". Matter of fact, it has become quite popular around town. Most neighborhoods have adopted it for some time now." Matter of fact, my wife is setting up our home for such an evening". "Are you interested in anything particular, or just browsing?" "Actually, I am a reporter/photographer here in Salem on an assignment for a client. It’s a popular magazine. Rebecca's the name, please to meet you, Mr., uh Brighten as in Brighten Gift and Antique Shoppe, I presume." "Oh! No, actually my name is Mr. Pierce, Dan Pierce that is. The name is my wife's madden name. Her family has roots in Salem since the 1600's. They have been in business here, on this exact location, for over 250 years. Naturally, it wasn't a gift and antique shop, just a general store." So Rebecca, you said. A name from the Old Testament, I like it, it seems to fit you. A woman, strong and determined and in a business that usually is dominated with men." Yes, just like a Rebecca to challenge the odds, so to speak. Now what may I do for you, Rebecca?" “Well, now that you ask, Mr. Pierce, I would find it most helpful if you would introduce the idea of an afternoon interview with your wife. It seems that a great deal of information can be gained from such a long standing resident." Well, I will propose the idea to her. She might very well enjoy the attention.