The Grinning Demon of Stewarton

A Halloween Story

Photo by Sander Weeteling

You sure that coffee’s all I can get you this evening? Every place says their apple pie is famous, but Sue’s really is. Her recipe’s a genuine state fair winner, four years running.

Ah, well, you’re missing out, but I’ll leave you be…What’s that? Yes, ma’am, been here bout as long as anyone can remember…Well, now, it’s been a long time since anyone has asked me about those days. You a reporter? Between that question and your little notebook, I figured. You know what, things are slow tonight. I’ll tell you the story, but I’m getting us both a slice of pie first. You can thank me later. 

There you are. I think life’s too short to choose whipped cream or ice cream, so I got ya both. 

Now then…here’s what you should understand.

The demon was hated and loved.

But mostly hated. 

How the good folk of Stewarton felt about their demon reflected the way they felt about themselves. Self-loathing is easily externalized, particularly if there’s a spawn of Satan close at hand. Or…