Where I grew up, Halloween is not celebrated the way it is in the US. For example, some party types might use it as an excuse to have a party, masquerade or costume ball. But there is no door to door trick or treating.

So whenever this time of the year is upon us, I don’t mind giving out a little candy to the young trick or treaters who come to the door on Halloween night.

This year was sort of different though. I think I realised that there is some honesty left in the world after all. Below is a brief account of what occurred.

A group of kids accompanied by a couple of older ones show up. I hand them some candy and merrily go about the evening doing the same to other kids who show up. About thirty minutes later, a girl about six years of age from the first group returns, but this time with her parents.

When I am about to place candy in her bag, the girl informs me that she was here earlier and I already gave her some candy.

Totally taken by surprise at this, I smiled and wished the group a Happy Halloween, thinking to myself, how nice it was of her to be so honest.

Especially since we live in a world that seems to be inhabited by so much dishonesty. I think also that night, my faith in humanity was restored a little. All because of a little girl who was honest enough not to want more candy than she had received from me.