A Halloween Masque is a short story by Avril Adams published in 2014 in Kings River Life.

Bridget drove a mile down the gravel road that ran parallel to the highway. She had almost forgotten about it as the shortcut to Cromwell. Bridget’s mother never took that road anymore, since the accident, but Bridget was in a hurry. When they curved around the first bend Bridget’s headlights illuminated a massive, twisted oak tree, its branches extending far across the road. There was a long, deep gash in the trunk of the tree where Victor’s car had veered into it that night last year on his way to the Junior Halloween dance. Bridget saw something moving in the brush beside the tree.

KRL is a California online magazine with a focus on the San Joaquin Valley and beyond. It has a strong mystery section and a growing fantasy/horror section as well. It features reviews of all sorts, author interviews, and short stories.