Submission (#896) Approved

A chill filled the air, it was clear the season was changing. Cass enjoyed the breeze, and the cooler temperature. He spent all summer working as a lifeguard, basking in the heat and swimming in the water that a change like this was just what he needed during his vacation. During this time Cass was a pet sitter for a friend who was out on important business. This pet was a blue seagong with the brightest golden eyes, Mizu was the seal's name. They went on a walk through a market, the spooky decorations of ghosts and tombstones strung up on lamposts, and stall owners dressed up as spooky creatures happily selling their produce. During this walk Mizu would make a chirp and refused to continue walking, clapping his fins and gesturing towards a stall. Cass turned to look at the stall, seeing two of the biggest pumpkins he’d ever seen in his life. It had been years since Cass last carved a pumpkin, as a kid he’d do that with his parents but lately he just didn’t find the time. Mizu however wasn’t gonna back down from this opportunity, continuing to stare at Cass.
Cass finally gave in to Mizu after trying to turn away, and he walked up to the stall owner. The stall was decorated in candy corn lights and it was painted orange and black.
“Can I get two pumpkins please?” Cass asked politely pulling out a small pouch with grubs to trade to the stall owner.
The stall owner was dressed in a witch costume, and she was extremely bubbly “Of course! That’ll be 40 grubs please!” she chirped, taking the grubs from him and giving him two of the biggest pumpkins she had.
Cass begrudgingly dragged the pumpkins back home, with no help from his little seal friend of course. Arriving home Cass placed the pumpkins on the counter, giving Mizu a chair to sit on. He walked over to the kitchen drawers pulling out an assortment of knives. Together they cut open and scooped out the pumpkin seeds, preparing them for the carving competition.
Cass started off by placing a stencil onto the pumpkin and poking holes into it, just how his parents once taught him. He’d carve out a scary face with a wide open mouth, before having an idea and taking the leftover pumpkin seeds and putting them in its mouth. The pumpkin appeared to be vomiting pumpkin guts, which he was pleased about.
Mizu was limited to paints, Cass did not think it would be safe to give a seagong actual knives and carving tools. Mizu painted the messiest painting, you couldn’t even tell what it was. But the seal clapped his fins in proud approval, showing it to Cass in absolute delight.
Although Cass was better with his carving, he just couldn’t resist his little seal friend. Mizu of course won this competition, cheering and dancing gleefully. They placed their pumpkins on Cass’s porch for decorations, in wait of Halloween to greet the trick or treaters.