"I know you never listen to me," Wonho started that winter night, leaned away from me. Half of him was in the shadows, half showing in the cold moonlight. "But just promise me you won't come back until the first signs of spring show."
It was a moment of hesitation that made Wonho lower is eyebrows in impatience. "I promise," I finally agreed.
But how could I stay away? The winter was growing colder and for some reason, the thought of him ignited a spark inside me that could make me feel warmer against the bitter frost. I enjoyed his presence, no matter what people told me. I didn't care if Wonho or my mother said he was dangerous; I didn't see it. I didn't care if my friends thought I was lying or imagining things; I knew he was real.
I felt him.
Wonho was a flame. A fire that seemed to engulf my mind. His framed face played in memory and I couldn't help but think of him as...
Beautiful?
Captivating?
I couldn't explain it. Nothing could. Wonho was something I've never seen before, or heard of. A different kind, and that's what I needed.
But why push someone away who just wants to give you company? Being alone in the silo for over one hundred years, how did he do it?
Why push me away with such persistence?
Lately, my mom has been locked inside her room reading and reading. I asked her about the books to see if they were any good, but she never answered me. She changed the subject to keep me from knowing.
I was tired and aggravated. It was a simple question that she wouldn't answer. While she was at work, and my father was busy mowing, I decided to go into their room. I noticed three books randomly set on the floor. One was opened, and marked with a yellow sticky note.
The page had a bold, black title:
"Shadow People"
My head fell to the side. I started to feel confused as to why she was reading about them when she seemed to already know so much.
