Levi, a young boy with a big heart, loved his cozy home and his parents, Carol and Darren, even though they didn’t have much. They shared a tight bond, supporting one another through everything. But as Halloween approached, Levi became upset. His school was holding a costume competition, and while his friends would show up dressed as superheroes like Superman and Batman, Levi didn’t have a new costume. His parents simply couldn’t afford it.
One evening, Carol tried to explain to Levi why they couldn’t buy a new outfit. “Honey, you know how much we’re trying to save to keep our home. The mortgage payment is so important right now,” she said gently.
Levi’s face crumpled with disappointment. “Do you love the house more than me?” he asked, his eyes brimming with tears. “I don’t want the house, I want a new costume!”
Carol sighed, feeling her heart break a little. “We love you more than anything, Levi. You’re what matters most to us,” she said, but her words didn’t seem to reach him. Levi ran to his room in tears, shutting the door behind him and refusing to come out, even for dinner.
That night, as Carol shared her concerns with Darren, he comforted her, assuring her they’d find a way to cheer Levi up. “I think I have an idea,” Darren said with a hopeful smile.
Two days later, while Levi sulked alone in his room, Darren appeared with a large parcel in hand. “Hey, buddy! Can I come in?” he asked, standing at the door.
“No, you can’t,” Levi mumbled without looking up.
“Not even if I have a new costume for you?” Darren teased, holding the package out.
Levi’s face lit up as he glanced at the parcel. “Really? You got me a new costume?” he exclaimed, jumping up.
Darren grinned and nodded. “Yes, and you’ll be the only one with this costume. But first, you owe your mom an apology.”
Levi bolted out of his room, running to Carol and hugging her tightly. “I’m sorry, Mom! I know you and Dad love me!” he said, smiling as he led her back to his room to see the costume together.
When Levi finally opened the parcel, he saw a homemade robot costume made from cardboard and duct tape. His eyes filled with tears, but this time they were happy tears. “I love it! Thank you, Dad!” he cried, hugging his parents. The costume wasn’t expensive, but it was made with love, and that made it special.
On the day of the costume competition, however, Levi’s excitement turned to sorrow when he arrived at school. His classmates began teasing him about his costume. “Levi’s wearing a cardboard box!” one kid jeered. “Couldn’t you afford a real costume?” another taunted.
Levi tried to defend his dad’s efforts. “My dad worked really hard on this. He even watched videos to make it!” he said, holding back tears. But his classmates continued to laugh, calling him a “loser.” Hurt and embarrassed, Levi ran backstage, crying and deciding he wouldn’t participate in the contest after all.
As the competition continued, Levi sat backstage, ashamed and upset. “I’m sorry, Dad,” he whispered to himself. “I let you down by not showing everyone your hard work.”
Suddenly, he heard gasps from the audience. Curious, Levi peeked out and saw the school principal, Mr. Frederick, standing on stage—dressed as a robot! His costume was similar to Levi’s but in bright red. He was holding a microphone and calling for “Agent Blue” to join him on stage.
Levi stepped onto the stage, surprised and smiling. “Mr. Frederick, you have the same costume as me!” he said excitedly.
“Actually, that’s Captain Red to you!” Mr. Frederick replied, winking. “Agent Blue, I need a partner on this mission. I made my suit just like yours because I heard it was the best one in town!”
Levi grinned, beaming with pride. “My dad made this suit, Captain Red. I love it so much!”
Mr. Frederick turned to the audience, speaking to Levi’s classmates. “This costume isn’t about how much it costs. Levi’s dad put so much love and effort into making something special, and that’s what truly matters. You’re lucky to have a dad who cares this much, Levi.”
With Mr. Frederick’s support, Levi’s costume was celebrated as one of the most creative and heartfelt in the competition, and he ended up winning first prize. As he lifted the trophy alongside his principal, the classmates who had teased him earlier gathered around, apologizing for their words.
“We’re sorry, Levi. Your costume was actually really cool,” they said, humbled by Mr. Frederick’s words.
Levi smiled and forgave them, sharing his prize—a big basket of Halloween candy—with everyone. “It’s all good. Just remember not to be mean to anyone else,” he said kindly. “My mom and dad always say it’s important to love one another.”
Mr. Frederick joined in, reminding the children, “We should all stand up for each other and support what’s good. Let’s make the world kinder, one costume at a time!”
With hearts full and smiles wide, Levi and his classmates enjoyed Halloween together, carrying with them a valuable lesson in kindness, gratitude, and the true spirit of Halloween.
