She looks like what might happen if the Tin Man and the Scarecrow mated and produced a doll-decapitating serial killer, but appearances can be deceiving: she is a Jumbo Rainbow Craft Robot, and the decapitated baby head is Baby Sally, who is – fear not – very much alive and well and fulfilling her role as Emilia’s shoulder companion (‘so I won’t get scared trick-or-treating.‘ This is a girl who approaches fear in novel and exciting ways.)

Next Halloween I might think twice before I say, you can go as whatever you want, sweetie, but then again, maybe not. The looks on the faces of the candy-dispensing ladies at the seniors’ home were kind of worth it. Maybe a lot worth it.

Maybe next year I’ll make sure there’re extra baby heads on hand.