I tried processing what she said as I stared at that wolf. He had on this huge smile and was wagging his tail. He was adorable now that he was not biting my list. It was a chew toy to him. It was paper to my friends. But who would have guessed that it would save our lives?

Remember that I believe in monsters. So seeing a wolf - a real werewolf - did not shock me. I was not terrified of the witch or her...brother. I was thrilled! And people thought that I was crazy. I had proof now. Monsters do exist. They shop in my parents' mall. They flock during the night and shop like humans. Most are evil. I do not know why. But Savannah and her brother were good. I was safe with them. I prayed that they would come this evening. They were in for a surprise.

I tucked a hair strand behind my ear and forced myself to smile. I had no clue what else to say, so I said, "Now I know the wolf's gender. Thank goodness that it is not a messed-up gender."

"'Messed-up gender'?" Savannah repeated. She walked to me and handed me my list.

"Forget it. I would offend the snowflakes. And thanks." I took the list and hugged it as if it were my baby. "This list may mean nothing to you or your brother here, but it means the world to me. I spent a month writing a list catering to you monsters. It was hard, but it was worth it. I read it and carry it around, hoping to one day shop with the monsters. I want to be here at night and see it for myself. You know?"

Savannah looked at her brother. Then back at me. Her eyes widened as she put the werewolf back down. I bet that she had never met a human who adores monsters. She was looking at me as if I were losing it. I reassured her that I was fine and added how monsters were more interesting than humans.

The werewolf barked and ran circles around his sister.

Savannah massaged the side of her neck. "I am happy - honored - that you have taken a shine to us monsters. I am stunned that a human is fascinated by us. They will usually run away while screaming bloody murder." She hid her hands behind her. "So no monsters under your bed or in your closet, huh?"

I folded my list and stuffed it back in my pocket. "I was the only kid on my block with no monsters in my room or in my house. I checked the attic and basement. Zip."

"You were lucky. Most kids have a monster somewhere in their house. The creatures do not leave until the kids stop fearing them. Hey. That is why monsters were not in your house. You can never be horrified of something if you love it. I still cannot believe that you love us."

"I was not lucky. I was the unluckiest child in town. If I wanted to hang out with a monster, I needed to go to a friend's house. I was happy that all my friends had one and let me visit them."

She rubbed her chin. "Did you ever help them?"

"I helped them more times than I can count. There was a monster afraid of daylight. I helped him face his fear. He still owes me new clothes."

"I was referring to your pals. And I am not going to ask about the clothes."

I scratched my head. "What did they need help with?"

"Forget it. My brother and I need to be on our way. We do not want to be grounded for life, do we?" She rested her hands on her knees and watched her brother. "You almost did."

The werewolf stopped running and gave her the puppy eyes. Fitting because he was a pup.

"Awe. I cannot stay mad at you." The witch picked him up and hugged him. "I love you."

He barked and licked her. It was his way of saying that he loves her too. Or he loves her more.

When Mom and I were home, I vanished into my room and prepared for the sleepover of a lifetime. Now that I knew that monsters were real, I was hyped to see some monsters. I could not begin to imagine the looks on my friends' faces. They would be apologizing to me. I must have been packing for a while because it was nighttime by the time that I exited my room. All that was left was to fetch the key. We would not get in without it.

I tiptoed to the kitchen and surveyed it. Nobody home. I pulled open a drawer and raised a stack of cloths. My heart was beating like crazy. I was soooo nervous that I would be caught. Sweat was streaming down my skin. I did not want my beautiful plan to be ruined. I dreamed of being surrounded by monsters. I could care less how they looked as long as they were kind.

I gasped when I felt metal. I yanked it out and clutched it tightly. It was the key. I almost squealed.

"I have you at last," I said. "Now to make history."

I quickly shoved said key in my pocket and closed said drawer. I did not want my family to get suspicious, so I walked to the fridge and opened it. I pulled out a shiny apple and took a bite.

"What are you doing, Carly?"

I closed the fridge and spun around. It was my mother. She had her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

I swallowed the apple pieces and smiled. "Hey, Mom. I was just getting a snack. I am hungry."

She squinted. "I know what you did."

"Of course. I just told you."

"I know what you did before you got the apple."