“In the spirit of the season—pun intended—I also thought Thor and I could have some fun scaring young children this Halloween if you don’t mind. He is a black cat, after all, and he has a great set of pipes for long scary howls in the dark. You might get some trick-or-treaters this year now that this house is inhabited…” She paused for effect. “By the living. You’ll probably get kids daring each other to approach the scary haunted house.” She cackled. “It could be a whole boatload of fun!”

“As long as you don’t hurt my cat.”

Doris pouted. “I care about Thor, too.” In the space between her words, she changed her clothing, materializing a cat suit. “He’s my transportation.”

As if on cue, Thor sauntered in from the living room and rubbed against her immaterial legs, purring. He looked up at her with adoring amber eyes.

“Did they celebrate Halloween back in the olden days when you were a flapper?” Jack finished loading the dishwasher and wiped his hands on the red kitchen towel.

Doris lifted her chin. “The Twenties aren’t the ‘olden days,’ and of course we celebrated Halloween with grand costume parties.” In rapid succession Doris’ clothes changed through a series of ornate costumes from a golden-earringed gypsy to Marie Antoinette.

Jack raised an eyebrow. “Impressive.”

“As long as you don’t wander away with Thor while you’re possessing him.”

Doris pouted and vanished.