Sample
Stories
Sample
Stories
17
“How To Throw
A Monster Bash”
“How To Throw
A Monster Bash”
With Halloween fast approaching, Brady seizes this perfect opportunity
to organize a P.R. blitz for the Monster Movement. He decides to stage a high
profile event - the first annual Ravenville Monster Pageant – and kids all over
town are entering their reluctant Monsters. But competition is quite stiff (and
stiffness is a category)with points awarded for sharpest fangs, best shriek,
and worst aroma. And with all the time Brady Plunkett has devoted to “groom-
ing his creature for success” his frightening fiend is the odds-on favorite
to win.Unfortunately, only days before the pageant, his Monster hits the high road,
fleeing the Plunkett home thanks to an uncommonly energetic and thorough
house cleaning by Brady’s mother. And though Brady searches high and low
(and sometimes lower), he comes up empty. Duty calls, however, and ever the
budding professional, Brady grabs his camcorder to document the eager prepa-
rations of Monster Owners everywhere.The Pageant is a hit, with every Ogre, Ghoul, and Dripping Entity attempting to
act on their best behavior (a subjective call, if anything, given their ghastly
predilections), all shining examples of good Monster guardianship, thanks to
Brady’s tutelage.And to Brady’s absolute joy, his own (unseen)Monster makes an appearance to
the gaping wonder of the others. But the monstrous competitiveness of the
owners is what really gets nasty, and by the final shredded curtain, Brady’s
Monster has fled once again – no doubt disgusted with the absolute beastly
human behavior.Brady resumes his search for his beloved creature while preparing his next Web
installment – “How To Train A Monster Owner.”Figure 6.1 Continued