Many comedy shows have kids running up to houses, ringing the bell, then when no one answers, throwing eggs at the door or tossing rolls of toiler paper over tree limbs.

            Or there’s a home invasion, where a scary somebody, like an evil clown or a deranged murdered, sneaks up on a group watching a scary movie on television.

            Some pranks are downright funny, causing no permanent harm. Eggs can be washed away, the friend who dressed up as a criminal will be forgiven, and many laughs about it will be shared for years to come.

            But what it the prank turns out not to be funny or to have lasting impact? What if it causes poor old Mrs. Hubert to have a heart attack or breaks a bunch of windows that the home owner can’t afford to repair?

            Your task is to write a story that features a potentially dangerous prank, that can cause harm to either the doers or the receivers.

            Begin by making a list of things that can logically be done. For example, climbing on the roof might not be possible to seven year olds, but teens could certainly do so.

            Create at least two characters. One might be the instigator, the other hesitant, but goes along with the prank anyway.

            Think of things that can go wrong. Narrow it down to no more than three.

            Write your story, incorporating the fear of Halloween, the mystery of the night, the costumes and the adventure.

            Have fun with this one.