It's rare when I haven't heard of something Halloweeny in LA.
![](https://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/pandisoo/2019/20191101_144004_zps53bum5sz.jpg)
circa 2019
But last weekend a friend shared some photos of a spooky yard display that I'd never visited, seen, or even heard of.
The only problem?
![](https://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/pandisoo/2019/20191101_144109_zpsf2ttsokz.jpg)
circa 2019
She had a vague idea of the area—Brentwood, Los Angeles—and that it was so large, it appeared to occupy two lots. (It's really just one.)
![](https://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/pandisoo/2019/20191101_143952_zpsxyzzewnk.jpg)
circa 2019
...but it became clear that the kids in the neighborhood knew where it was—and that it was for them.
I decided to try to find it anyway.
I planned on driving up and down every side street north and south of Sunset Boulevard in Brentwood.
![](https://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/pandisoo/2019/20191101_143455_zps9c3bce3c.jpg)
circa 2019
But either I got lucky or strategized especially well, because all I had to do was make one right turn and drive a couple of blocks* before the Halloween display in question was in my sights.
It did not disappoint.
I suppose if you've got that much space, you'd better fill it up if you're going to decorate at all.
I witnessed some kind of possession or exorcism...
...and expressions of misguided maternal love.
I faced my own mortality.
I wished for finality and closure.
I saw what might me the future for any of us.
And if Hell is occupied by a red demon with candy-corn teeth, I hope I never go there to meet him.
I chose to go during the day not only because it would be easier to find in daylight, but also because I really wanted to see it.
I find everyday life frightening. I didn't need to be scared by the Halloween display.
But in the light of day, it's definitely... disturbing.
And it's masterfully curated.
I expected the Can-Can line of mummies to break out into a song and dance routine.
But some of them didn't look very jubilant...
...despite being accompanied by an enthusiastic pianist.
![](https://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/pandisoo/2019/20191101_143834_zpstoixgxvc.jpg)
circa 2019
But in reality, if they're here at all, they're trapped.
Even death might not have let them part ways with the things in life they'd rather leave behind.
![](https://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/pandisoo/2019/20191101_143714_zpsuxjutnhz.jpg)
circa 2019
And if they're smiling through a skull full of teeth—and they're still here—it's probably just for show.
![](https://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l93/pandisoo/2019/20191101_143527_zpstndfxyxf.jpg)
circa 2019
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