Have you ever felt unsure? Or felt that everything you've ever been taught was a lie? Because, as of last week, that is exactly how I've felt.
It started last Friday, right after school had ended. The forecast had called for sunshine and, for the first time all year, it had been wrong. Instead of the expected bright and sunny day, we got an abnormally cold and wet one. Which was pretty odd considering it was the middle of May. Anyway, because my mom was at work and my dad was probably off somewhere getting drunk, I had to walk home.
So, after the final bell rang, and I had gathered all my belongings from my locker, I left the school and began my walk home. It's not a particularly long walk, but it was still too long for walking in the rain.
I hadn't even made it a block from the school when I thought I heard someone call my name. I spun around in search of the voice, but no one was there, not that I could see anyway. I decided that I had been hearing things and continued on my way home.
I heard it again as I walked up the old concrete path that lead to the apartment building that I lived in with my mother. The voice had been loud and clear, like the person who had spoke was standing right next to me.
Upon looking around I found, that once again, I was alone.
Okay... This is really starting to freak me out... I thought as I hurried up the stairs and inside.
The first place I went after entering the apartment was the kitchen. I normally don't eat at school, so I stuff my face when I get home. But today I found that I wasn't hungry, so instead I made my way to my room at the back of the apartment.
"Now, is that any way to treat a guest?!" A now very familiar voice said, a hint of mock offense there as they spoke.
I jumped and dropped my things as the sound sent a wave of fear through my entire body. They're in the apartment. I thought as I hurriedly picked up the phone off my desk.
"Put that down, it's going to do you any good." They said as I began to dial 9-1-1.
"Wh-what do you mean?" I stammered lifting the phone to my ear. Nothing but dead static.
"Yeah, for some reason phones don't work when I'm in the area. It's kinda annoying if you think about it." The voice chuckled.
I put the phone down with shaking hands. He can see me... But if that's true then where is he? My room had a closet, but there was no way a person could hide in there, it was just too small.
"I'm Shadow." It commented. "You won't be able to see me, a down side to this arrangement I'm afraid."
"What arrangement?" My whole body was shaking at this point, and I could feel my skin growing colder.
"First off, why don't you have a seat?" Shadow said gently. "You look like you're about to die."
"Please don't say that." I muttered, sitting down on my bed.
"Sorry, didn't mean it literally. Honest." I heard Shadow laugh to himself. "Anyway, like I said. I'm Shadow, and I'm going to be the bestest friend you've ever had!"
The room was filled with a light and friendly feeling as he said this. It made me feel better somehow.
"Okay... So, Shadow is your name then?"
"No. Well... Kinda. I don't have a true name in the human world, just like I don't have a true physical form. I'm called Shadow because that's what I am, a shadow."
I nod slowly. "Okay... Wait how did you know my name?"
"Ah yes, the arrangement! How could I forget!" The room chilled slightly, and I was flooded with a feeling of complete loss, it faded as Shadow began to laugh.
"What arrangement? What's going on?" I asked as I started to grow very annoyed.
"I kinda need a place to hide, and when I felt you pass earlier I knew you were my best bet."
"Hide? Hide from what?" I stand up quickly, almost falling over.
"Don't worry, I promise that you are perfectly safe. There's just a little issue that needs to be sort out in the shadows and I need to disappear until then, now just sit back down and relax."
I felt a gentle pressure on my shoulders and I was soon sitting back on my bed.
"Okay... But I don't know if I want you staying here with me. How do I know you're not going to watch me when I'm changing or something like that?"
The room then grew very cold and I was filled with sadness. "I wouldn't do that..." Shadow whispered, and I knew I had hurt him. I didn't know why, but I felt bad for it.
"I know... I don't know how I do... But I do." I sighed weakly then rubbed my eyes. It had been a long day, and it was still only four.
"You can trust me, I promise." I air warmed and I could tell he winked at me. "Now get some sleep, I'm going to go explore your home."
"But-"
"No buts!" Shadow said, cutting me off. "Just get some rest, okay?"
I nodded and sighed. "Fine. Where would you be?"
"Outside, it gets dark soon so I'll be gone for a while."
"Okay... Well enjoy your evening." I replied.
"You too." And with that, the air cleared and I suddenly felt alone in my room. Well... Now I know how to tell when he is or isn't in the room... I sighed and laid back in bed, falling asleep almost instantly...
And that was just my first night with Shadow...
