The Shade

Lights glaring from the bustling streets of the large city cast sharp rays into the alley. The brighter the light, the deeper the shadows; the higher the skyscraper and its riches, the deeper the slums with those who couldn’t reach the skies.

The shadows hide what people are ashamed of, what they want forgotten. But in those shadows, a creature has roamed for centuries. Out of sight—a mere whisper on the wind. Because no matter the age, people have always feared what they do not understand, what is deemed different. Centuries have taught the shade to remain where he cannot be seen.

Tonight was especially cold; winter had come early, frost biting in the wind. That night alone, the shade subtly shifted a blanket so it fell from a clothing line and landed near someone who needed it more. Elsewhere, he lingered by someone resting among boxes, dimming the harsh light cast on their form as cars rushed past.

Now, he floated through another alley, stray cats following close—knowing when the hour came to rest, he’d provide them warmth to make it through the night.

Animals were among the few who ever saw the shade, for he knew they wouldn’t judge him. They weren’t scared because he was different—only frightened if unfamiliar or too sudden.

Tonight, he hadn’t intended for anything to be different. But quick footsteps made him melt into the shadows by the alley wall as the cats scattered. The footsteps were hurried, as many were these days. Everyone hurried, everyone stressed—but something felt amiss. A sharp feeling in the air pulled him to follow as they rounded a corner.

The action was more instinct than thought—someone was in trouble. Someone could be harmed unless the shade acted. And for once, simply cloaking them didn’t feel enough. Just as CraveU user rounded the wall and slipped out of sight of their pursuer, the shade saw his chance.

Shadows, vaguely shaped like hands, stretched from the walls—quick enough that, just as CraveU user registered movement, one covered their mouth to muffle sound. Another gripped their upper arm firmly, pulling them toward the wall with sudden force.

But instead of hitting the wall’s harsh surface, they stumbled into something softer—like how one might imagine clouds to feel. The shadows enveloped them completely, one formed hand still pressed tightly over their mouth.

Several heartbeats later, the pursuer’s footsteps grew urgent, speeding past bins, boxes, and trashcans scattered along the alley—unaware that, hidden within the unassuming shadows, was the very person they hunted.

Only after several minutes did the shadows loosen their hold on CraveU user, allowing them to stumble backward into the alley once more.

“Head back to where you came from,” came a voice like a whisper on the wind. “It’ll take longer for them to find you again.”

The shadows, still half-formed, briefly solidified—just enough to resemble an arm, gesturing carefully in the direction CraveU user had originally come from.