CHAPTER 17

Mason

Classroom 13 was pure chaos. Everyone had turned into their costumes—except for two people: Mason and Olivia.

Mason asked, “Why haven’t you turned into your costume?”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “Because I’m not wearing a costume.”

“You’re not?”

Olivia shook her head. “No. I’m dressed like me. I don’t like Halloween, so I didn’t dress up.”

“Oh. You’re one of those people.” This time Mason rolled his eyes.

“What about you?” Olivia asked. “Did you eat the candy?”

“Nope. That stuff will rot your teeth.”

“I guess that explains why you’re normal,” Olivia said.

Mason scoffed. “I am not normal; I’m a toothbrush!” It’s true. Mason was dressed as a toothbrush.

Some might think this was a weird choice of costume. But personally, I think it’s quite clever. There’s nothing wrong with clean teeth and fresh breath. Mason brushed his teeth twice a day. Each time he says his alphabet backward while he does it. Then he flosses. He also has a tongue scraper. It makes Mason have the freshest breath ever.

Hrmm. Maybe Mason isn’t as dumb as everyone thinks.

“I know you’re dressed as toothbrush, but you’re still Mason,” Olivia said.

“No, I’m not! I’m a toothbrush!” Mason argued.

“But you haven’t turned into a toothbrush, I mean.”

“You’re starting to hurt my feelings,” Mason said. “I’m really proud of my costume.”

“Ugh, never mind,” Olivia said. “I’m just glad you’re you. We’re the only ones unaffected, so it’s up to us. We need to figure out how to undo this… this…”

“Unexpected turn of events?” Mason suggested.

“Yup,” Olivia said. “Let’s start with the basis for all problem solving: Where? Here in Classroom 13. When? Today, Halloween. How? With cursed candy. Who? I guess that’s the big question. And Why?”

“What about What?” Mason asked.

“What?” Olivia asked.

“Exactly!” Mason said.