Dear Diary,

I've always been a bit of a wanderer, I guess. When I was only 18, I decided to leave home in search of something that could give my life greater meaning. I don't know why I haven't felt much like talking about it... until now, I guess.

I packed a bag full of my most prized possessions, scooped up my beloved black cat and steeled my resolve. "IT'S ALL CAULDRONS AND EYE OF NEWT TO YOU, AND I'M SICK OF IT! I'M GOING TO MAKE IT ON MY OWN!" I shouted at my family right before mounting my broom and flying off into the night. Ugh, I was so harsh then.

Was I wrong to leave...?

* * * *

Hey again, Diary. I feel like telling you more about myself.

The first gig I was able to land on my own was a job doing tricks for mortal children at birthday parties. It paid the bills, but I quickly grew tired of feeling like a spectacle. When I finally found tiny humans too exhausting (and they are...), I snagged the night shift washing dishes at a local fast food chain called 'Fillyergut Burgers'. I appreciated the solitude the job brought me, but the work was physically draining and gave me few opportunities to use magic. I remember leaning out of the drive-thru window one night and thinking, "there's got to be something more than this. I can't wash dishes forever."

Suddenly, it was as if the universe heard my plea - have you ever experienced something like that? Anyway, I became keenly aware of what appeared to be carnival lights flickering in the distance. Pleasant (though slightly warped) music floated through the air toward me. The smell of popcorn and cotton candy filled my nose! I was so excited, I ripped off my apron, threw down my visor and leapt out the tiny window with renewed focus. "I know what I need to do!" I shouted into the darkness of the night, "I'M GOING TO BECOME A CARNY!"

What? Don't judge me. It seemed perfectly reasonable at the time.

* * * *

Hey there, Diary. I'm back.

After nearly a decade manning my very own spooky attraction, I pretty much 'have it all'. A beautiful, big, spooky home, a steady income, a chance to cast spells for (and on) unsuspecting humans and... Alright, to be honest, I'm soul-crushingly lonely. I have everything I thought I needed when I left home all those years ago, and yet... Something is missing.

Early last week, I received an invitation to a very special gathering - Monster Reunion. The event has been held every 10 years for the last century, and it guarantees me a chance to see the family I left behind so long ago. Seriously, diary, I yearn to see them again - all money in the world hasn't made me truly happy, but... I'm really not sure how I might be received.

I don't know how I can face them after the way I acted. The only thing I still have is my cat... She's so good to me, this cat. I love her so much and... Aw, you know what? It's almost Halloween and I just can't pass up the chance to see everyone again! If I've learned anything over the years, it's that what you have means so much less than who you have in this life. There's always time to make amends, you know? Better late than never!

I should go put up a "Be Back Soon" sign on my carnival attraction. I wouldn't want the boss to think I'm slacking!

Thank you, diary, for letting me share these thoughts.

Until next time! xo

Hey! Uh, so, welcome to the Park. Listen, normally I’d do some kinda balloon animal trick thing for new visitors but I’m actually pretty busy right now. It takes a lot of hands to make an operation like this run, and right now I’m missing two.

You haven’t seen a witch around here, have you? She’s in charge making sure the bog is, uh, boggy? You know, misty, full of frogs, maybe has a cauldron with a self-stirring wooden spoon. You know how much it costs to make that spoon move without magic? I ain’t payin for that.

Anyway, if you see her, let me know. I know she was just at some kinda reunion a week ago. She can’t have gone too far. I’ve been using her broom to sweep up popcorn so she probably took the bus or somethin'.

Oh, you guys are still around? Well, the good news is that the park still opened on time, I guess. The bad news is that our witch attraction is still, uh, a little light on the witch.

If it were a beach attraction maybe I could get away with some kinda pun…

Anyway, if you see anyone with a black hat, green skin, mole, weird nose, just let me know.

Listen up, people. You might want to pay attention to this.

So I'm waking up one morning, roll over in bed... And I see this piece of paper on the floor. Dunno how it got there, don't really care. It sounds like a riddle of some kind, and I ain't in the business of solving those.



It reads:

At the sound of me, people may dream or stamp their feet.
At the sound of me, people may laugh or sometimes weep.
Find out what and WHERE I am, and you will find a prize to keep.
Follow my trill... I will appear in one week.

I know the ghost of Wendy showed up for some of you, so this is probably related. Figure it out if you want.

See ya.

I think you're onto something with this whole music thing. This morning I woke up to see this:



If I'm honest, this whole Wendy business is really ticking me off. First, my witch goes missing. Then, it turns out she's shuffled off this mortal coil. Now I'm dealing with sketchy notes showing up in my bedroom, I'm awake all night listening to this horrible yowling... Ugh. I can't catch a break!

Hurry up and find whatever she's got to share with you people, because I'm about ready to pack up my carnival and get outta town.