This was not supposed to happen. I did not make a deal with the devil, yet  I am stuck here. I cannot return back to my time and wish that I listened to that police officer's warning.

My brothers and I were minding our own business when a police officer came by the cemetery. He warned us plenty of times that squatters were not allowed on the premises for it is disrespecting the dead.

I understood Officer Aquino's request, but where would my we go? It was just me, and my 2 little brothers, since our parents died. And our relatives in Manila didn't want to take us in, so I had nowhere else to turn to besides an elderly couple known as the Quinteros.

Mr. Quintero was the first one I met as he saw me crying on a sidewalk as my 2 brothers, Pedro and Edwin played in the streets. He asked me what the problem was and told him about my situation. He explained to me that he was willing to help me out as he and his wife needed the company. And that's how my brothers and I, Benji Macairog came to reside with them.

But little did I know it would be inside a cemetery! In a crowded town, squatters could find other places to live in, but here in the place where they bury the dead? I wanted to turn around, but couldn't. It was as if I didn't have a choice.

During that first visit, I was scared, but my brothers weren't. It was as if they were cast by a spell by that old man. They'd bow in front of the epitaphs and tombs as if they were asking for permission to dance and be merry. Yet, I just calmed down, just sighing in relief that most of my problems were over. However, I saw some police officers shaking their heads. They wanted us to leave the property as soon as possible, but we refused. I should have listened.

On the night of Halloween, when I heard the Quinteros echo a chant, I followed them as they entered a tunnel between the living and the dead. I thought I was dreaming as I met my parents and old friends who have passed away, but I was too happy to see them again. We hugged each other until I couldn't see any color. The place before me turned desolate white. I ran to find my way out of there, but couldn't find a way out. And that's when I found out that Mr. Quintero smiling at me. He had a cape and his face was hidden from view.
And that's when I found out what I did. Mr. Quintero was also known as the Grim Reaper. The police were trying to warn me about him but I did not listen.

On Hallow's Eve, the Grim Reaper allows people to visit the dead, but to return to the living is not a choice.

500 words

Realm Prompt: 

On Hallow's Eve, the veil between the realm of the dead and the realm of the living is thinning. Casting a magic spell, you enter the realm of the dead.

You spend some time with friends and relatives who passed away too soon. But then you realize you can't return to the land of the living.

Author's note: I came up with this story after my father told me about some Cemetary squatters in Manila, Philippines. Do they not have any respect for the dead?