The pirate, the witch and the list

When Madison volunteers at the library, she doesn't expect to fall under the spell of a sweet Captain Hook!

- —by Mary Ann Joyce

Madison arrived for her volunteer shift at the community library dressed as a witch. Decorated with pumpkins, cornstalks and spiderwebs, the library bustled with children in costume.

Her friend, Beth, the librarian, adjusted her Mother Goose hat. “Max Marshall is here for Halloween story time.” She pushed a cart of books toward Madison. “For your first task, can you shelve these, please?”

“I don’t suppose they go—” “—in the back, in the kids’ section.” Beth smiled.

Madison first rolled her eyes, then rolled the cart. Beth often mentioned Max, who played basketball with her husband, Jerry. Single. Good-natured.

Madison admitted she wanted a look, but that was it. She stopped when she glimpsed Captain Hook, complete with a gold hoop earring and dark curly wig brushing across his broad shoulders. Even in this getup, she couldn't help but notice his rugged good looks. He read from Peter Pan in a booming voice, captivating the kids. They sat mesmerized. She, too, fell under his spell, and leaned on the rows of books as she listened to his fun storytelling voice. Then he pointed at her. “Look,” he said, “the pretty witch isn’t joining in!”

The children all turned their gazes on Madison. He laughed. “Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough.”