The first hundred bags of treats had disappeared in a whirlwind of kids, hands, feet and trick or treats. The next hundred were also a blur. Eventually she found herself raiding the kitchen for chocolate bars, chips, apples and anything else to give away. She nearly ran out but made it. Just.     She was exhausted and looked forward to putting her feet up in front of the TV. Forty two years old, a bad back, three kids, low cash flow and a workaholic husband were not an ideal combination. This morning she forgot to pay the phone bill; again. Was this twice or three times? Mom was coming over for dinner Friday. She wanted to start on her diet; again.

They said it would get better when Jane would be out of diapers. They said she would find her energy again. They said summer would be different.     "You'll see" they said.     They said many things. Right now she would settle for a nice long hug, a real espresso and a walk on the beach.     What was she thinking? Right now, she would settle for the hug.

But that was not in the cards for tonight. Tonight, she would clean up and then head off to her sister's where her husband had gone with the kids. She looked at her watch to confirm what she already sensed. So she was late again. Actually, it didn't matter to her or to her sister. But Dave was another matter. He would lecture her tonight on the importance of punctuality. Yada yada yada.     There was dirt all over the floor. Mud really. During the evening, the kids had crossed over from the Wexler's place right across the lawn, stepping gingerly over the grass fence and the sign she had posted. So now, after two hours of handing out free food to strangers, here she was scrubbing dirt from between the vestibule tiles.

"Trick or treat?"     As she looked up, Colleen saw a young woman with short blonde hair, offering a shy smile. She wore a short black leather skirt, ripped tight black T-shirt and stilettos. A chain hung around her waist. She looked like she was on her way to a Halloween party, although Colleen hadn't heard of any for tonight ; around here anyway.     There was something familiar about this woman, but Colleen couldn't put her finger on it.

They also said her memory would improve. Sure.     Colleen didn't realize that she was staring. It occurred to her that this time it had been a question. Not an order barked by a manic ten-year-old. Politely actually, if somewhat timid. Trick-or-treat-question-mark. Who was this woman?     She was maybe 27, definitely fit, with a thin waist and tight skin. Her long muscular legs looked tanned, so clearly she had enjoyed the summer. Colleen wondered how long it had been since she had looked so good or worn such a short skirt; ten years? fifteen? She wondered how long it had been since the kids had put an end to that kind of fashion statement for her.

"I'm sorry, am I disturbing you? I guess you don't recognize me, Mrs. Willis."     The words drew her out of her reverie. It was one thing being forty-two with greying hair and the beginnings of varicose veins, but quite another staring at this person while sprawled out on her knees scrubbing her floors. She focused again and rose to her feet.     "I'm sorry, maybe I should go?"     Then it occurred to her.     "Susan?" she asked apprehensively.     "Yes! Thank god you recognized me! How are you?"     Susan had babysat the first two kids many years ago, when Colleen still had her job at the florist. Back then, her hair reached halfway down her back. How the time had passed. How fast the time had passed.