Two toads were decorating their home for Halloween. It was the first time these toads had decided to decorate for this particular holiday, but because the year had been so long and so tiring the friends figured that any change of scenery would be welcome. 

However, since they had never decorated for this holiday together before, both toads had their own ideas about what type of decorations should go up. They didn't exactly see eye to eye. 

"I think we should do all bats and cobwebs and blood and scary stuff," said the First Toad, Ralph. 

"Why not more of a fall theme? Hay bales, pumpkins, corn stalks?" Countered Shannon, the Second Toad. 

"But it's October..." Ralph replied, "October is for scares. With Climate Change, isn't Fall more of a November thing?"

Ralph and Shannon had never even so much as discussed the meaning of October since they both largely celebrated the month privately. Having to find common ground here was going to be difficult since they were starting so far apart. 

"How about a scarecrow?" Shannon suggested. 

"Oh, yes! Great call! Absolutely, let's do a scarecrow!" Ralph agreed. 

It was surprising to see a compromise happen so quickly. Many experts did not see this coming. Still, apart from a scarecrow, it didn't seem like there would be any other possible common ground these two toads could reach. What else could possibly work as both a scary October display and a fall-y October display? The experts, again, thought any further compromise would be highly doubtful. 

"What if we did two hay bales here and then have like a witch just poking up its head behind the bales?" Ralph walked over to where the hay bales would be placed, he then went around the bales and popped his head in a position where a hidden witch might look good. A naked, and frankly bold, attempt to further impose his Scary Halloween theme. 

Shannon looked contemplative, concerned. Clearly, she was trying to find the right words so that her reaction may be as delicate as possible: 

"That sounds great! I love the idea of the witch just sneaking around and stalking about!" She finally responded, enthusiastic. 

A startling demonstration of collaboration was unfolding. This level of compromise, not to mention the speed at which these compromises have been reached are well beyond observers' wildest expectations. Experts and handicappers and Vegas odds-makers were completely baffled. 

Yet, if it wasn't clear by now it should be becoming clearer by the moment that this level of compromise could not last for long. The real nitty-gritty of fall decor vs. scare decor was upon them. Sure, it's easy to have a scarecrow or compromise on a blink-and-you'll-miss-it witch display. But what is to come of the bats? The blood? The cornucopia? The varieties of colorful maize? And perhaps most importantly, what sign will they choose? 

Have a Spooky Halloween!

-Or -

It’s Fall Y’all!

"Hey, Shannon!" Ralph began, ready to take control of the decorations, "I want to run something by you..." 

Oh here we go, now it's all going to come tumbling down. The experts and handicappers and Vegas oddsmakers were licking their chops, doubling down on the inevitable collapse of October decor negotiations. 

"I'm actively listening," Shannon responded, perhaps as a ploy to draw Ralph in, pretending to hear his suggestions, before ultimately cutting him off at the knees in favor of a largely traditional fall display. 

"I have a sign that says, "Have a Spooky Halloween..." Ralph started. 

The oddsmakers were gleeful, joyful, ready to watch the two toads crumble under the weight of their own compromises. 

"Oh, that might be an issue. I really want to put up my It's Fall Y'all sign..." Shannon began in an attempt to parry away the attack of scary decor. 

This was it. Vindication was at hand. The experts could taste it. Experts are always right. Each year at their professional development conferences experts receive an engraved or embroidered item with the Experts motto emblazoned - Experts Rule, Everyone Else Drools

"What if we did this," Shannon ventured cautiously, "What if we put up It's Fall Y'all on the left side of the display, and then Have A Spooky Halloween, on the right side of the display?" 

"Oh, that way it would read to passersby as "It's Fall Y'all, Have A Spooky Halloween!" Ralph confirmed. "I love that idea, let me go get my sign!" 

Ralph went off to the shed to retrieve his spooky decorations and Shannon followed him to do the same. 

It was baffling. The two spent the rest of the afternoon in similar stages of compromise and discussion and understanding. A feat of cooperation that is likely never to be seen or topped again. The experts threw in their towels. The world was simply not what they thought it was.