Ambrose's favorite time of the year was almost here-Halloween! He enjoys the costumes, the movies, the decorations, the food, and of course, the trick-or-treating.
Every year he comes up with the best costume ideas. One year he was a leprechaun, then a zombie. Once, he was a spooky skeleton and even an alien. This year, he will be a wizard!
He was proud of his ideas and spent a lot of time making his costumes with the help of his parents.
At school, the magic continues. Ambrose loves making Halloween arts and crafts, picking orange and red leaves and playing in their piles, decorating his house and watching all the houses around the neighborhood turn into spooky spectacles.
However, one thing Ambrose loved the most was pumpkin carving.
He would always choose the perfect pumpkin, and with the help of his imagination, the pumpkin would always look magnificent.
One day after school, Ambrose's friend, Tommy, tells him the legend of the pumpkin patch.
Tommy tells him, If you believe hard enough, Pumpkins in this patch might come to life on Halloween. No one knows who owns the place and what makes it magical, but they say the ground has special powers.
Ambrose cannot ignore his curiosity. He also believes his love of Halloween is so strong that he could carve a pumpkin to life. Determined, he decides to go on an adventure and find the pumpkin patch - convincing his parents to take him there.
It does not take long to find the sight of bright orange pumpkins. However, the area seemed rather empty at the pumpkin patch, so Ambrose hesitated, not wanting anything frightening to happen.
Well, go on,
said Ambrose's dad encouragingly.
Ambrose looks around and runs back and forth, left and right, to find the biggest, orangest pumpkin. Finally, he stumbles upon the perfect one.
He walks over to his parents and smiles with satisfaction.
Alright, are you sure about your pumpkin choice?
asked Ambrose's mom.
Oh yes,
replies Ambrose enthusiastically.
Ambrose starts carving the pumpkin with his parents' assistance. He creates a friendly face with a welcoming grin, teeth, and big eyes.
As he finishes, he whispers, I wish you could come to life and come with me to trick-or-treat.
A moment passes, and silence fills the room. Then Ambrose remembers that Tommy had told him that the pumpkin came to life on Halloween, which was tomorrow. Ambrose decides to head to bed, hoping he will meet his new friend the following day.
Sure enough, while Ambrose is far into dreamland, there is a sparkle in the air, and the pumpkin starts glowing brightly.
Morning comes, and the alarm awakens Ambrose. He realizes what day it is and starts looking around his room, going to his desk, and looking up at his pumpkin. Ambrose looks sad at his pumpkin, thinking he didn't believe hard enough to bring it to life.
Suddenly, the pumpkin starts shimmering and says, Hi, I’m Jack, a guardian from the magical pumpkin patch.
Ambrose's eyes widened as the pumpkin shimmered with a soft glow, and then, to his amazement, it blinked and smiled.
He looks at Jack and says, Hello, Jack, I am Ambrose. I can't believe you're alive! Are you going to be with me all day?
Jack replies, Yes, Ambrose, I will be your Halloween companion and make today an enchanted day!
Ambrose prepares himself and puts on his costume. He then brings Jack with him and places it on top of his costume so he can be his Jack-o-lantern head.
That is a brilliant idea,
says Jack.
At school, there are witches, ghouls, vampires, werewolves, fairies, animals and all sorts of creative costumes. Ambrose loves seeing everybody’s costumes.
Jack is delighted to see how Halloween is still alive and celebrated today.
Tommy gets Ambrose alone and asks him about the pumpkin on his head.
Jack says, I am Jack, a guardian of the magical pumpkin patch and a friend to all those who love Halloween.
Tommy gets scared for a second, but as he sees Jack is not a monster and has a friendly face, he approaches Jack and says, Wow, Ambrose, you did it!
He then tells Jack, Nice to meet you, Jack Pumpkin, sir.
After a fun day at school with Halloween activities, Ambrose was ready for the day's main event, trick-or-treating.
Ambrose leaves his home with Tommy and Jack.
Jack glows brightly as they set out for trick-or-treating, lighting the way and keeping Ambrose and Tommy safe from spooky surprises.
They went from house to house, collecting candy and having fun. When a group of mischievous kids try to scare them, Jack sends out sparkling pumpkin seeds that playfully distract the pranksters; turning fear into laughter.
As they approach the final house, Ambrose notices a group of friends looking sad because they did not get enough candy. Seeing their disappointment, Jack uses his magic to create a shower of candy that falls like rain, filling their bags with treats!
Finally, the last few trick-or-treaters head home. Ambrose, Tommy, and Jack stroll, savoring the final moments of Halloween. Jack's light flickers, his orange light gently dimming with each step.
Ambrose notices and takes Jack off his head, his heart sinking slightly. Jack, are you okay? What’s the matter?
Jack grins warmly, his pumpkin face softer now in the fading light. I’m okay, Ambrose, but when the clock strikes twelve, I must return to the pumpkin patch until next Halloween.
Ambrose feels sad but nods, understanding that all magic has its time. Can we take you to the pumpkin patch so I know you return home safely?
he asks.
No, Ambrose, your bedtime is coming up. Don’t worry; I’m magic and always find my way back.
As they reach Ambrose's house, Jack hops down from Ambrose's shoulders and stands on the porch, his glow now a soft, warm flicker. Goodbye, for now, Ambrose. Remember, as long as you believe in the magic of Halloween, I’ll always come back.
I'll miss you, Jack! See you next Halloween!
replies Ambrose, and he hugs Jack.
Tommy hugs him, too and says goodbye.
With a final, playful wink, Jack's glow fades completely. The pumpkin sits still, now just a carved lantern. Ambrose steps back, smiling softly, knowing that the magic isn't truly gone—it's just resting.
With that, the door closes, and the magic of Halloween lingers in the air—quiet, waiting, and ever-present for those who believe.
