Inception A seed, or pepita, is born to face death: It will either find its way to Earth’s sweet soil, or a thorough crisping in the evil appliance humans call “oven.”

Early Years In the ground a seed grows into a vine, then a flower, and finally a fruit. The awkward, bulbous baby punkin enrolls in school, squashes competition in debate club, is asked to leave swim team because it’s too buoyant, but goes on to Gourd Washington University.

Career After college, the grad must choose to follow in the starry-eyed footsteps of famous pals like Cinderella’s carriage, or settle for a more traditional gig as a pumpkin pie or jack-o’-lantern. In either role, it will be lucky to win a contest or two.

Autumn of Life As a star, a prize pumpkin fades from the spotlight and succumbs to mold. As basic Halloween decor, its skin loses strength and its face caves in. And as a foodstuff, it’s roasted and eaten. But still, there’s hope as the cycle begins again.