| General Fiction posted December 14, 2021 |
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This is a short story.
Shadow World
by rspoet
Edgar was clumsy. He may have been the only person to have ever tripped on his own shadow.
When he fell, something peculiar happened. He did not hit the ground; he went into his shadow, into a long, spiraling darkness beyond words. When he came out the other side, his shadow was standing erect, and he was flat on the ground. “What a dolt I am to have tripped,” his shadow said. He brushed a few white flakes off his knees and continued walking down the street.
What’s going on, stuttered Edgar. Panic seized him. He could not voluntarily move his arms, his legs, or any part of his body. His motion was determined by some dark 3-dimensional figure that loomed over him. He wanted to shout Help, but he could not.
He looked ahead and saw another 3-dimensional shadow approaching them. It also had a flat-figure trailing on the ground. Look out, he tried to shout, but the shadow passed right through him.
I’m not solid, Edgar thought. What am I? Where am I?
Edgar looked up and saw an inexplicable image. The sun was black. How can that be?
He thought back to what had happened. I tripped on my shadow and somehow fell into the shadow. My shadow must be some kind of black hole that reverses reality. No, no, that’s insane. I must pull myself together. It’s a dream; it must be, that’s the only possible explanation.
A white cloud drifted across the dark sun and Edgar disappeared.
I’m still here. I’m still here, but no one can see me. I am the invisible shadow of a shadow. I wonder what color I am. If the sun is black and my vertical figure is black, perhaps I am a white shadow or maybe I’m multicolored, like a rainbow. But they probably don’t have rainbows in this eerie place. More likely, they have shade-bows, shades of gray. Maybe I’m gray. Well, my mood is gray, that’s for sure. I’ve got the Grays.
As the cloud drifted on, Edgar became visible again. I must think this through. I’m attached to my shadow person at the feet. If the black sun was directly overhead, he’d be standing on top of me. I can’t get away from him. If I somehow become detached, I would no longer be. We are symbiotic; without him I don’t exist, though I’m not sure whether he’d exist without me or not. Can a person be in this dark-sun world and not have a shadow?
His upright shadow stopped at a house and knocked on the door. A female, who was also a 3-dimensional shadow-being, answered the door.
“Are you ready, Darc?”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to the festival. I put some crackers and cheese and a bottle of wine into my bag. We’ll make a party out of it. ”
“Sounds great.”
As Darcy stepped into the dark-sun, her gray shadow appeared beside her. The two of them were also attached at the feet as all flat shadows were.
Uh oh, this can’t be good. Edgar was uneasy about this new development. On second thought, she looks pretty nice for a flat-person. Too bad we can’t converse. She could tell me about this strange new world I’ve fallen into. I suppose it’s not strange to her; it’s likely all she’s ever known.
The three-dimensional figures of Darcy and Blake turned to walk down a side street, and Darcy’s gray shadow landed right on top of Flat Edgar. Now this is awkward, thought Edgar. We haven’t even been introduced. I wonder what she’s thinking. Probably thinks I’m some kind of cad.
No, I don’t.
Who said that?
My name is Ebony. I used to be real, just like you. I was walking on a slippery sidewalk when I fell backwards on some black ice. I landed on my shadow, but somehow, I went into my shadow, like you did. It was very dark and scary. I thought I had blacked out. But then I appeared in this shadow land where light and dark have reversed places. You can’t imagine how happy I am to meet you.
How can we talk like this?
We’re not actually talking. When gray shadows merge, our thoughts are open to each other. But when our upright-selves turn a different direction and their shadows separate, we will lose contact and won’t be able to “talk” anymore.
How long have you been here, Ebony?
I don’t know. I have no sense of time in this world. It might be a few weeks, a few months, or even years. There’s no way to tell. One thing I can say is it’s very lonely and we are totally dependent upon our vertical selves. If anything happens to them, it also happens to us.
What if they were to die?
I’m not sure, but I think they would go to a place that has no shadows.
Maybe they would go to a shadowy place.
Maybe, but either way, it can’t be good for us.
No, it can’t. Have you met any other flat people?
A few, but only for a brief time. My upright self isn’t very social. Most of the people she dates have silent, gray shadows. When we merge, nothing happens. I don’t know where they’re from. Maybe they’re from right here and can’t think. That’s why I was so startled when I heard your thoughts.
It must have been terrifying to be transported to this unknown world and not be able to communicate with anyone.
It was, but now you’re here.
Is there any way out of this strange world?
Not that I know of. We’ll disappear when the vertical beings aren’t in the dark-sun.
I’ve already experienced that scary situation. Uh oh, looks they’re going to turn again. I hope we retouch again, Ebon….
Darcy and Blake turned so the dark-sun was directly in front of them. Their shadows were now behind them and parallel to each other. They no longer touched, so they could not communicate, but it was a relief to Flat Edgar just to know that Flat Ebony was next to him.
Blake and Darcy were going to an open-air concert in the park. The Black-Eyed Sons were performing. The park was mobbed with fans, but they found an open space on a grassy knoll where they could enjoy the music. Darcy unrolled a small blanket she had brought, and Blake stretched out on it. This was a new experience for Flat Edgar. He was now connected to Blake from head to toe. Darcy soon rolled over onto Blake and as she did, Flat Ebony landed on top of Flat Edgar.
I’m sorry, said Ebony.
I’m not, replied Edgar. This is nice.
Ebony relaxed and snuggled into Edgar’s arms.
I have to admit, Blake and Darcy have very good instincts, said Edgar.
I’m smiling right now, but you can’t see it, said Ebony.
I hope they never get up, said Edgar. He wished he could put his arms around Ebony.
At that moment, Blake put his arms around Darcy, and simultaneously Edgar’s arms enfolded Ebony. Ah, thought Edgar, wishes do come true.
The music began to play, and Darcy rolled off Blake to sit up and listen to the Black-Eyed Sons play.
Alas, wishes also end.
During the concert, Blake and Darcy were dancing on the lawn and their shadows moved beneath them. Occasionally, when their shadows touched, they could hear each other’s thoughts. This is wonderful, Edgar, you dance very well.
That’s not me, replied Edgar; I’m the worst dancer in the world. Blake is the great dancer. I’m simply connected to his moves.
I hadn’t thought of that, said Ebony. But it’s fun anyway.
At that moment, Blake embraced Darcy and kissed her. Really kissed her!
Oh my, Edgar, you kiss really well, too. Don’t tell me it was Blake because I won’t believe you.
If only you could see the smile on my face, said Edgar. I may not know how to dance, but I know how to kiss.
Darcy opened the bottle of wine and brought out the crackers and cheese. They sat and dined, then danced whenever one of their favorite songs was played. The Black-Eyed Sons played a great version of “Black Magic Woman,” then shifted to “Fade to Black.”
The music pulsed through her veins or maybe it was Blake. This was one of the best days Darcy could remember. She was growing closer and closer to Blake. It was one of those glorious afternoons when everything in the world seemed right.
As the concert drew to a close, they finished the wine and crackers. Darcy rolled up the blanket and rose to leave. “Phew, I’m a little tipsy from the wine and dancing.”
“Maybe it was all the kissing.” said Blake. “I think we may both be a little woozy, Darc, but it was a great afternoon; the Sons were awesome.”
As they walked down the slope, the dark sun was much lower in the sky, so their shadows were elongated, and lay directly in front of them. Near the bottom, Darcy caught her sandal on a hidden tree root and lurched forward. Blake grabbed her arm, but the downward slope caused him to lose his footing, and they both tumbled forward—their shadows crossing in a tangled mishmash.
Flat-Ebony screamed as Darcy fell. Flat-Edgar had a hold of her arm, just as Blake held onto his girlfriend’s arm. Hold on tight, Ebony. I won’t let go of you, called Flat Edgar. Then the world went dark. Edgar could no longer hear Ebony’s thoughts. His hand still grasped something, but he had no idea what. He prayed it was Ebony’s arm. He could feel his pulse beating rapidly. They were both afraid—afraid of the silence, afraid of the unknown. Their bodies were shaking as they whirled through endless spirals of darkness.
Soon, there was light. Edgar lay breathless on the ground at the bottom of a grassy hill. He was still holding on, but he was blinded by the sudden light.
“Ebony, Ebony is that you? Please be you.”
“I can’t see. Is that you Edgar?”
“Oh, thank God. I thought I had lost you. I can’t see, either. I think it’s just the sudden emergence into the light. It may take a while for our eyes to adjust, but I still have your arm.” He could feel her tremble, as tears streamed down their faces.
They lay on the ground, side by side. Ebony slid her hand into Edgar’s and squeezed as hard as she could. “I won’t ever let you go, Edgar.”
“Keep your eyes closed, Ebony. When your vision returns, let the light in slowly.”
As they lay there, Edgar noticed her hand felt rough and dry. Must be from the harrowing journey through the shadow. I feel pretty withered myself. He kept blinking his eyes till his vision gradually improved.
When his sight was restored, he turned to check on Ebony. Edgar’s heart began to race as he pulled back in shock. Her eyes were as black as coal. Her hair was tangled and stringy, her skin wrinkled and gray. She leered at him through dark, hungry eyes.
“What’s wrong Edgar? Not what you expected, Dearie.”
“You’re not Ebony.”
“Oh, but I am, Edgar. I waited for you such a long time. Centuries, in fact. But time means nothing to me.”
“You look like a witch.”
Ebony smiled. “Thank you, Edgar. I am a witch, a beautiful one, if I do say so.”
His skin prickled. He felt something clamp around his neck. A collar! He began to panic. He reached up and clawed at the collar, desperate to pry it loose.
“Even if you could get it open, love, where would you go? It’s useless. You see, my pet, you didn’t return to your world, I brought you back to mine.” The witch cackled as Edgar’s skin broke out in a cold sweat.
“Come, my toy. We’re off to my home where you can meet the others. I’ve only one decision to make, Dearie. Do I add you to my collection…or my cauldron?”
Edgar cringed.
“Oh, and Edgar, you’re a very good kisser.”
Fantasy Writing Contest contest entry
Edgar was clumsy. He may have been the only person to have ever tripped on his own shadow.
When he fell, something peculiar happened. He did not hit the ground; he went into his shadow, into a long, spiraling darkness beyond words. When he came out the other side, his shadow was standing erect, and he was flat on the ground. “What a dolt I am to have tripped,” his shadow said. He brushed a few white flakes off his knees and continued walking down the street.
What’s going on, stuttered Edgar. Panic seized him. He could not voluntarily move his arms, his legs, or any part of his body. His motion was determined by some dark 3-dimensional figure that loomed over him. He wanted to shout Help, but he could not.
He looked ahead and saw another 3-dimensional shadow approaching them. It also had a flat-figure trailing on the ground. Look out, he tried to shout, but the shadow passed right through him.
I’m not solid, Edgar thought. What am I? Where am I?
Edgar looked up and saw an inexplicable image. The sun was black. How can that be?
He thought back to what had happened. I tripped on my shadow and somehow fell into the shadow. My shadow must be some kind of black hole that reverses reality. No, no, that’s insane. I must pull myself together. It’s a dream; it must be, that’s the only possible explanation.
A white cloud drifted across the dark sun and Edgar disappeared.
I’m still here. I’m still here, but no one can see me. I am the invisible shadow of a shadow. I wonder what color I am. If the sun is black and my vertical figure is black, perhaps I am a white shadow or maybe I’m multicolored, like a rainbow. But they probably don’t have rainbows in this eerie place. More likely, they have shade-bows, shades of gray. Maybe I’m gray. Well, my mood is gray, that’s for sure. I’ve got the Grays.
As the cloud drifted on, Edgar became visible again. I must think this through. I’m attached to my shadow person at the feet. If the black sun was directly overhead, he’d be standing on top of me. I can’t get away from him. If I somehow become detached, I would no longer be. We are symbiotic; without him I don’t exist, though I’m not sure whether he’d exist without me or not. Can a person be in this dark-sun world and not have a shadow?
His upright shadow stopped at a house and knocked on the door. A female, who was also a 3-dimensional shadow-being, answered the door.
“Are you ready, Darc?”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to the festival. I put some crackers and cheese and a bottle of wine into my bag. We’ll make a party out of it. ”
“Sounds great.”
As Darcy stepped into the dark-sun, her gray shadow appeared beside her. The two of them were also attached at the feet as all flat shadows were.
Uh oh, this can’t be good. Edgar was uneasy about this new development. On second thought, she looks pretty nice for a flat-person. Too bad we can’t converse. She could tell me about this strange new world I’ve fallen into. I suppose it’s not strange to her; it’s likely all she’s ever known.
The three-dimensional figures of Darcy and Blake turned to walk down a side street, and Darcy’s gray shadow landed right on top of Flat Edgar. Now this is awkward, thought Edgar. We haven’t even been introduced. I wonder what she’s thinking. Probably thinks I’m some kind of cad.
No, I don’t.
Who said that?
My name is Ebony. I used to be real, just like you. I was walking on a slippery sidewalk when I fell backwards on some black ice. I landed on my shadow, but somehow, I went into my shadow, like you did. It was very dark and scary. I thought I had blacked out. But then I appeared in this shadow land where light and dark have reversed places. You can’t imagine how happy I am to meet you.
How can we talk like this?
We’re not actually talking. When gray shadows merge, our thoughts are open to each other. But when our upright-selves turn a different direction and their shadows separate, we will lose contact and won’t be able to “talk” anymore.
How long have you been here, Ebony?
I don’t know. I have no sense of time in this world. It might be a few weeks, a few months, or even years. There’s no way to tell. One thing I can say is it’s very lonely and we are totally dependent upon our vertical selves. If anything happens to them, it also happens to us.
What if they were to die?
I’m not sure, but I think they would go to a place that has no shadows.
Maybe they would go to a shadowy place.
Maybe, but either way, it can’t be good for us.
No, it can’t. Have you met any other flat people?
A few, but only for a brief time. My upright self isn’t very social. Most of the people she dates have silent, gray shadows. When we merge, nothing happens. I don’t know where they’re from. Maybe they’re from right here and can’t think. That’s why I was so startled when I heard your thoughts.
It must have been terrifying to be transported to this unknown world and not be able to communicate with anyone.
It was, but now you’re here.
Is there any way out of this strange world?
Not that I know of. We’ll disappear when the vertical beings aren’t in the dark-sun.
I’ve already experienced that scary situation. Uh oh, looks they’re going to turn again. I hope we retouch again, Ebon….
Darcy and Blake turned so the dark-sun was directly in front of them. Their shadows were now behind them and parallel to each other. They no longer touched, so they could not communicate, but it was a relief to Flat Edgar just to know that Flat Ebony was next to him.
Blake and Darcy were going to an open-air concert in the park. The Black-Eyed Sons were performing. The park was mobbed with fans, but they found an open space on a grassy knoll where they could enjoy the music. Darcy unrolled a small blanket she had brought, and Blake stretched out on it. This was a new experience for Flat Edgar. He was now connected to Blake from head to toe. Darcy soon rolled over onto Blake and as she did, Flat Ebony landed on top of Flat Edgar.
I’m sorry, said Ebony.
I’m not, replied Edgar. This is nice.
Ebony relaxed and snuggled into Edgar’s arms.
I have to admit, Blake and Darcy have very good instincts, said Edgar.
I’m smiling right now, but you can’t see it, said Ebony.
I hope they never get up, said Edgar. He wished he could put his arms around Ebony.
At that moment, Blake put his arms around Darcy, and simultaneously Edgar’s arms enfolded Ebony. Ah, thought Edgar, wishes do come true.
The music began to play, and Darcy rolled off Blake to sit up and listen to the Black-Eyed Sons play.
Alas, wishes also end.
During the concert, Blake and Darcy were dancing on the lawn and their shadows moved beneath them. Occasionally, when their shadows touched, they could hear each other’s thoughts. This is wonderful, Edgar, you dance very well.
That’s not me, replied Edgar; I’m the worst dancer in the world. Blake is the great dancer. I’m simply connected to his moves.
I hadn’t thought of that, said Ebony. But it’s fun anyway.
At that moment, Blake embraced Darcy and kissed her. Really kissed her!
Oh my, Edgar, you kiss really well, too. Don’t tell me it was Blake because I won’t believe you.
If only you could see the smile on my face, said Edgar. I may not know how to dance, but I know how to kiss.
Darcy opened the bottle of wine and brought out the crackers and cheese. They sat and dined, then danced whenever one of their favorite songs was played. The Black-Eyed Sons played a great version of “Black Magic Woman,” then shifted to “Fade to Black.”
The music pulsed through her veins or maybe it was Blake. This was one of the best days Darcy could remember. She was growing closer and closer to Blake. It was one of those glorious afternoons when everything in the world seemed right.
As the concert drew to a close, they finished the wine and crackers. Darcy rolled up the blanket and rose to leave. “Phew, I’m a little tipsy from the wine and dancing.”
“Maybe it was all the kissing.” said Blake. “I think we may both be a little woozy, Darc, but it was a great afternoon; the Sons were awesome.”
As they walked down the slope, the dark sun was much lower in the sky, so their shadows were elongated, and lay directly in front of them. Near the bottom, Darcy caught her sandal on a hidden tree root and lurched forward. Blake grabbed her arm, but the downward slope caused him to lose his footing, and they both tumbled forward—their shadows crossing in a tangled mishmash.
Flat-Ebony screamed as Darcy fell. Flat-Edgar had a hold of her arm, just as Blake held onto his girlfriend’s arm. Hold on tight, Ebony. I won’t let go of you, called Flat Edgar. Then the world went dark. Edgar could no longer hear Ebony’s thoughts. His hand still grasped something, but he had no idea what. He prayed it was Ebony’s arm. He could feel his pulse beating rapidly. They were both afraid—afraid of the silence, afraid of the unknown. Their bodies were shaking as they whirled through endless spirals of darkness.
Soon, there was light. Edgar lay breathless on the ground at the bottom of a grassy hill. He was still holding on, but he was blinded by the sudden light.
“Ebony, Ebony is that you? Please be you.”
“I can’t see. Is that you Edgar?”
“Oh, thank God. I thought I had lost you. I can’t see, either. I think it’s just the sudden emergence into the light. It may take a while for our eyes to adjust, but I still have your arm.” He could feel her tremble, as tears streamed down their faces.
They lay on the ground, side by side. Ebony slid her hand into Edgar’s and squeezed as hard as she could. “I won’t ever let you go, Edgar.”
“Keep your eyes closed, Ebony. When your vision returns, let the light in slowly.”
As they lay there, Edgar noticed her hand felt rough and dry. Must be from the harrowing journey through the shadow. I feel pretty withered myself. He kept blinking his eyes till his vision gradually improved.
When his sight was restored, he turned to check on Ebony. Edgar’s heart began to race as he pulled back in shock. Her eyes were as black as coal. Her hair was tangled and stringy, her skin wrinkled and gray. She leered at him through dark, hungry eyes.
“What’s wrong Edgar? Not what you expected, Dearie.”
“You’re not Ebony.”
“Oh, but I am, Edgar. I waited for you such a long time. Centuries, in fact. But time means nothing to me.”
“You look like a witch.”
Ebony smiled. “Thank you, Edgar. I am a witch, a beautiful one, if I do say so.”
His skin prickled. He felt something clamp around his neck. A collar! He began to panic. He reached up and clawed at the collar, desperate to pry it loose.
“Even if you could get it open, love, where would you go? It’s useless. You see, my pet, you didn’t return to your world, I brought you back to mine.” The witch cackled as Edgar’s skin broke out in a cold sweat.
“Come, my toy. We’re off to my home where you can meet the others. I’ve only one decision to make, Dearie. Do I add you to my collection…or my cauldron?”
Edgar cringed.
“Oh, and Edgar, you’re a very good kisser.”
When he fell, something peculiar happened. He did not hit the ground; he went into his shadow, into a long, spiraling darkness beyond words. When he came out the other side, his shadow was standing erect, and he was flat on the ground. “What a dolt I am to have tripped,” his shadow said. He brushed a few white flakes off his knees and continued walking down the street.
What’s going on, stuttered Edgar. Panic seized him. He could not voluntarily move his arms, his legs, or any part of his body. His motion was determined by some dark 3-dimensional figure that loomed over him. He wanted to shout Help, but he could not.
He looked ahead and saw another 3-dimensional shadow approaching them. It also had a flat-figure trailing on the ground. Look out, he tried to shout, but the shadow passed right through him.
I’m not solid, Edgar thought. What am I? Where am I?
Edgar looked up and saw an inexplicable image. The sun was black. How can that be?
He thought back to what had happened. I tripped on my shadow and somehow fell into the shadow. My shadow must be some kind of black hole that reverses reality. No, no, that’s insane. I must pull myself together. It’s a dream; it must be, that’s the only possible explanation.
A white cloud drifted across the dark sun and Edgar disappeared.
I’m still here. I’m still here, but no one can see me. I am the invisible shadow of a shadow. I wonder what color I am. If the sun is black and my vertical figure is black, perhaps I am a white shadow or maybe I’m multicolored, like a rainbow. But they probably don’t have rainbows in this eerie place. More likely, they have shade-bows, shades of gray. Maybe I’m gray. Well, my mood is gray, that’s for sure. I’ve got the Grays.
As the cloud drifted on, Edgar became visible again. I must think this through. I’m attached to my shadow person at the feet. If the black sun was directly overhead, he’d be standing on top of me. I can’t get away from him. If I somehow become detached, I would no longer be. We are symbiotic; without him I don’t exist, though I’m not sure whether he’d exist without me or not. Can a person be in this dark-sun world and not have a shadow?
His upright shadow stopped at a house and knocked on the door. A female, who was also a 3-dimensional shadow-being, answered the door.
“Are you ready, Darc?”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to the festival. I put some crackers and cheese and a bottle of wine into my bag. We’ll make a party out of it. ”
“Sounds great.”
As Darcy stepped into the dark-sun, her gray shadow appeared beside her. The two of them were also attached at the feet as all flat shadows were.
Uh oh, this can’t be good. Edgar was uneasy about this new development. On second thought, she looks pretty nice for a flat-person. Too bad we can’t converse. She could tell me about this strange new world I’ve fallen into. I suppose it’s not strange to her; it’s likely all she’s ever known.
The three-dimensional figures of Darcy and Blake turned to walk down a side street, and Darcy’s gray shadow landed right on top of Flat Edgar. Now this is awkward, thought Edgar. We haven’t even been introduced. I wonder what she’s thinking. Probably thinks I’m some kind of cad.
No, I don’t.
Who said that?
My name is Ebony. I used to be real, just like you. I was walking on a slippery sidewalk when I fell backwards on some black ice. I landed on my shadow, but somehow, I went into my shadow, like you did. It was very dark and scary. I thought I had blacked out. But then I appeared in this shadow land where light and dark have reversed places. You can’t imagine how happy I am to meet you.
How can we talk like this?
We’re not actually talking. When gray shadows merge, our thoughts are open to each other. But when our upright-selves turn a different direction and their shadows separate, we will lose contact and won’t be able to “talk” anymore.
How long have you been here, Ebony?
I don’t know. I have no sense of time in this world. It might be a few weeks, a few months, or even years. There’s no way to tell. One thing I can say is it’s very lonely and we are totally dependent upon our vertical selves. If anything happens to them, it also happens to us.
What if they were to die?
I’m not sure, but I think they would go to a place that has no shadows.
Maybe they would go to a shadowy place.
Maybe, but either way, it can’t be good for us.
No, it can’t. Have you met any other flat people?
A few, but only for a brief time. My upright self isn’t very social. Most of the people she dates have silent, gray shadows. When we merge, nothing happens. I don’t know where they’re from. Maybe they’re from right here and can’t think. That’s why I was so startled when I heard your thoughts.
It must have been terrifying to be transported to this unknown world and not be able to communicate with anyone.
It was, but now you’re here.
Is there any way out of this strange world?
Not that I know of. We’ll disappear when the vertical beings aren’t in the dark-sun.
I’ve already experienced that scary situation. Uh oh, looks they’re going to turn again. I hope we retouch again, Ebon….
Darcy and Blake turned so the dark-sun was directly in front of them. Their shadows were now behind them and parallel to each other. They no longer touched, so they could not communicate, but it was a relief to Flat Edgar just to know that Flat Ebony was next to him.
Blake and Darcy were going to an open-air concert in the park. The Black-Eyed Sons were performing. The park was mobbed with fans, but they found an open space on a grassy knoll where they could enjoy the music. Darcy unrolled a small blanket she had brought, and Blake stretched out on it. This was a new experience for Flat Edgar. He was now connected to Blake from head to toe. Darcy soon rolled over onto Blake and as she did, Flat Ebony landed on top of Flat Edgar.
I’m sorry, said Ebony.
I’m not, replied Edgar. This is nice.
Ebony relaxed and snuggled into Edgar’s arms.
I have to admit, Blake and Darcy have very good instincts, said Edgar.
I’m smiling right now, but you can’t see it, said Ebony.
I hope they never get up, said Edgar. He wished he could put his arms around Ebony.
At that moment, Blake put his arms around Darcy, and simultaneously Edgar’s arms enfolded Ebony. Ah, thought Edgar, wishes do come true.
The music began to play, and Darcy rolled off Blake to sit up and listen to the Black-Eyed Sons play.
Alas, wishes also end.
During the concert, Blake and Darcy were dancing on the lawn and their shadows moved beneath them. Occasionally, when their shadows touched, they could hear each other’s thoughts. This is wonderful, Edgar, you dance very well.
That’s not me, replied Edgar; I’m the worst dancer in the world. Blake is the great dancer. I’m simply connected to his moves.
I hadn’t thought of that, said Ebony. But it’s fun anyway.
At that moment, Blake embraced Darcy and kissed her. Really kissed her!
Oh my, Edgar, you kiss really well, too. Don’t tell me it was Blake because I won’t believe you.
If only you could see the smile on my face, said Edgar. I may not know how to dance, but I know how to kiss.
Darcy opened the bottle of wine and brought out the crackers and cheese. They sat and dined, then danced whenever one of their favorite songs was played. The Black-Eyed Sons played a great version of “Black Magic Woman,” then shifted to “Fade to Black.”
The music pulsed through her veins or maybe it was Blake. This was one of the best days Darcy could remember. She was growing closer and closer to Blake. It was one of those glorious afternoons when everything in the world seemed right.
As the concert drew to a close, they finished the wine and crackers. Darcy rolled up the blanket and rose to leave. “Phew, I’m a little tipsy from the wine and dancing.”
“Maybe it was all the kissing.” said Blake. “I think we may both be a little woozy, Darc, but it was a great afternoon; the Sons were awesome.”
As they walked down the slope, the dark sun was much lower in the sky, so their shadows were elongated, and lay directly in front of them. Near the bottom, Darcy caught her sandal on a hidden tree root and lurched forward. Blake grabbed her arm, but the downward slope caused him to lose his footing, and they both tumbled forward—their shadows crossing in a tangled mishmash.
Flat-Ebony screamed as Darcy fell. Flat-Edgar had a hold of her arm, just as Blake held onto his girlfriend’s arm. Hold on tight, Ebony. I won’t let go of you, called Flat Edgar. Then the world went dark. Edgar could no longer hear Ebony’s thoughts. His hand still grasped something, but he had no idea what. He prayed it was Ebony’s arm. He could feel his pulse beating rapidly. They were both afraid—afraid of the silence, afraid of the unknown. Their bodies were shaking as they whirled through endless spirals of darkness.
Soon, there was light. Edgar lay breathless on the ground at the bottom of a grassy hill. He was still holding on, but he was blinded by the sudden light.
“Ebony, Ebony is that you? Please be you.”
“I can’t see. Is that you Edgar?”
“Oh, thank God. I thought I had lost you. I can’t see, either. I think it’s just the sudden emergence into the light. It may take a while for our eyes to adjust, but I still have your arm.” He could feel her tremble, as tears streamed down their faces.
They lay on the ground, side by side. Ebony slid her hand into Edgar’s and squeezed as hard as she could. “I won’t ever let you go, Edgar.”
“Keep your eyes closed, Ebony. When your vision returns, let the light in slowly.”
As they lay there, Edgar noticed her hand felt rough and dry. Must be from the harrowing journey through the shadow. I feel pretty withered myself. He kept blinking his eyes till his vision gradually improved.
When his sight was restored, he turned to check on Ebony. Edgar’s heart began to race as he pulled back in shock. Her eyes were as black as coal. Her hair was tangled and stringy, her skin wrinkled and gray. She leered at him through dark, hungry eyes.
“What’s wrong Edgar? Not what you expected, Dearie.”
“You’re not Ebony.”
“Oh, but I am, Edgar. I waited for you such a long time. Centuries, in fact. But time means nothing to me.”
“You look like a witch.”
Ebony smiled. “Thank you, Edgar. I am a witch, a beautiful one, if I do say so.”
His skin prickled. He felt something clamp around his neck. A collar! He began to panic. He reached up and clawed at the collar, desperate to pry it loose.
“Even if you could get it open, love, where would you go? It’s useless. You see, my pet, you didn’t return to your world, I brought you back to mine.” The witch cackled as Edgar’s skin broke out in a cold sweat.
“Come, my toy. We’re off to my home where you can meet the others. I’ve only one decision to make, Dearie. Do I add you to my collection…or my cauldron?”
Edgar cringed.
“Oh, and Edgar, you’re a very good kisser.”
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