Israel Centeno

I announce to my small audience that I’ll be writing horror stories to awaken the supernatural essence of Halloween. The orthodox may claim that this is an indirect way of participating in pagan frivolities, and I understand their view. They choose not to experience the charitable, liberating effect of horror in any of its forms. Yet, humanbeings are capable not only of imagining horror but of producing it, as the irrefutable facts of everyday life show us. Sometimes, we become numb to it, but I assure you, horror is not foreign even to the most pious of experiences.

The question of existence can often be answered by drawing lessons from horror and pain. In my metaphysics, I hold that compassion and agape, both emerging from states of perplexity, enhance our hope and drive toward a better future—a future where we transcend according to our highest aspirations.

So, moving forward, let’s roll up our sleeves, and, hand to the flies—I meant, let’s get to work. Have a happy beginning to the season.