As a child, the protagonist recalls dressing up for Halloween in various costumes that symbolize pain and suffering, such as mummies and drowned boys. Surrounded by other children in similarly grotesque outfits, he reflects on the bizarre tradition of celebrating horror and injury during a time meant for fun and sweets. The contrast between the festive aspect and the dark imagery leaves him puzzled.

This leads him to question the necessity of embodying such suffering to receive candy. He wonders why there isn’t a simpler way to obtain treats, posing a deeper query about the human inclination to dramatize pain and sacrifice in pursuit of pleasure. The exploration of this theme suggests a critique of how people often embrace struggles and hardships, even in playful contexts, rather than seeking joy straightforwardly.