All Hallows (Solemnity of All Saints) 2025

"Where do all of the monsters go when they're done lurking about, attempting to prey on the living?" the little fairy godmother asked, flitting about, doing her bit to pick up after the party. The Fairy Darkmother smiled at her wistfully, full of admiration and affection for her irrepressible innocence. "Before I answer," the Darkmother responded quietly, "I'll offer a suggestion - that the question might actually be "where do all of the monsters go when they're done lurking about attempting to prey on each other"." The fairy stopped and suspended herself in mid-air with a gasp. "Oooo, that's rich," she commented (and then apologized if that sounded rude). "Although I love a tall tale, the rumor that I am The Veil is simply not true," the Darkmother began (and that made the fairy godmother blush with some embarrassment, for she had been very busy promoting that notion far and wide). "What I am is the catalyst for the barrier to open - not in one place, where proximity is required, but in every being deep within themselves." The fairy faltered a bit (in shock) and had to sit down on a corner of the feast table. "You mean, we ...," she started, her voice strained. "Are magnificent monsters each and every one," the Fairy Darkmother explained tenderly, "capable of tremendous evil and harm, and also of self-control and works of extraordinary kindness. The Veil allows us to see all that was and all that is more clearly, so that choices can be made." They were silent for moment, and then the Darkmother added, "So, where do all of the monsters go when they're done lurking about? To bed, I imagine ... and then to breakfast; shall we?" The little godmother trailed after her as she left the hall, her dress looking silver purple and rose midnight in the pale morning light.