Halloween 2020, but just another working day for Cora. The usual crush on the bus left everyone clinging to the handrails as the driver lurched to a standstill at each stop. Most of the staff were back working in the office this month, including annoying Neville who continually popped round his perspex screen to lean over her and grab her mouse on the excuse of explaining some new business software. She sensed him leering at her even through his steamed up glasses over his mask.

She escaped for lunch with the girls; only a small table available, so they were joined at the elbows once the knives and forks came into play. Moving on from elbow pushing to paper pushing, Cora finished the day with meetings in a stuffy conference room, and felt she had earned a drink.

The bar was quiet and lacking in atmosphere, having made no effort for Halloween. There were no macabre decorations, nor spooky cocktails, and of course it started closing up well in time for 10pm curfew. Out on the street though, a few neighbouring establishments had also disgorged their contents, and a crowd began to gather until they formed a hugging, staggering mass. This suited Cora’s idea of fun much better, and she wound between them, shouting back in their faces, until she reached a lively group who were armed with newly purchased cans.

“We’re off to party at mine,” said one called Pete, “Coming?”

Once inside, Cora relaxed and reflected on a good day’s work making lots of contacts who had all been receptive. She stripped off her work clothes, and allowed her self to breath out, smoothing out the folds of her velvety dress into her preferred spherical shape. She flicked out her red tassels, fluffing them outwards like little pompoms.

“Wow! Great outfit,” said Pete, hastily fastening on a grim reaper head mask,“ I didn’t realise we were doing the fancy dress thing after all. What’s your name?”

“Cora, they call me for short. Anyway, ready with your scythe? Let’s get this party started. This is going to go viral.”