Shadow Keepers

          There are many hidden things in our world; children's toys, boxes of money, secrets, feelings, self doubt. But there is nothing anyone can hide that will not eventually be seen. Some of the best hiding places are so conspicuously placed that they are not hidden at all. Usually when something is put in plain sight no one is able to notice it right off. In all my years I have seen that most people naturally tend to hide underlight. Yes, that may sound odd to you, to anyone that cannot see as I do. When under the light, a person can see themselves as they truly are and who they want to become. So it turns out, that others can't see them as they are. Or they see them distorted. As if through a tinted and warped looking glass, who's worth has been neglected over time.

          The average person cannot look inside someone else without much feeling and effort. But I can. I can see into every part of them that reflects light. When a person stands directly underlight I can see their heart, emotions, everything. Where others cannot.

          For, you see... I am a Shadow.

          I have lived all my life in darkness, watching my keepers. Saddened greatly because I am unable to help them. But no longer must I wait. Finally, I have come to my time. I am now allowed to take my solid form and help my keeper. This is her story, and mine.

         The story of how she saved my life.  

Chapter 1:

          The night chilled air created bumps on her skin as Shauna stepped out into the cool concrete of the front porch. Her breath hissed between her teeth as her bare feet met the grey slab. Shauna pulled her rust orange shawl tighter around her shoulders and folded her arms inside. The moon still sat comfortably in the lightening blue sky, and the last few stars flickered away dissolving in the morning light.

          This was her favorite time of year. The very first Autumn morning. When the trees start turning. When each breath of air chills the back of your throat. and the breeze smells of warm cider and pumpkins. Shauna sat on the cool steps and the heat of her legs scattered as the chill of frozen concrete seeped through her jeans. She considered going inside for a blanket but decided to wait. She couldn't take the risk of missing her favorite part of the year.

         But this year would be different. Until three weeks ago she had planned on sharing this morning with her mother. But that hope changed the moment that one man took a last swig from his beer can and threw it out the window, causing him to loose the last shred of concentration and soberness he had left as he easily slid into the oncoming traffic; hitting her family car, a 2006 Honda civic head on.
           Shauna was not there when it happened. But the call she got from her mother’s cell phone changed her life forever.
           "This is officer Kasey of the name of town City Police. Do you know anyone by the name of Allison Peters?" Said the voice on the other end of the call.

           "Yes, yes she's my mom." Shauna had replied.

           "Now, I don't want to alarm you." The officer said. "But your parents have been in a car accident." Shauna almost dropped her cellphone. She sat on the purple living room sofa to stop herself from dropping as well.

          "Are they alright ?" She stammered, clutching her elbow in her left hand.

          "We were able to speak briefly with your mother before she lost consciousness. And the man, your father I believe, was unconscious when we arrived at the scene.We're taking them to the local hospital. Could you please confirm the man's identity for me?" He described Shauna's father and she hesitated for a moment, taking in the sudden information.

          "He is my father." she said, "His name is Robert. Robert Peters."

          "Thank you Shauna." Officer Kasey said. She didn't remember if she had told him her name. She couldn't remember anything. "We will send someone over to your house to check on you." She was quickly pulled back into the skewed reality her life had become. remembering her manners she said,

          "Th-thank you officer...officer Kasey."

          "I know this is probably hard for you. Just hang in there and try not to worry." He said as an attempt to comfort her. He said good bye. She thought she heard herself saying a brief farewell but it felt distant. Shauna slumped into the deep cushions of the sofa, letting her hands and her cell pone rest in her lap. Te setting sun behind her made her shadow crawl across the thick carpeted floor.

          As the morning light hit her eyes Shauna came back from her reverie. The light of the dawn touched the clouds in the pale sky sending colors of gold and pink reflecting in the heavens. She stood up hoping to see as much of the spectacle as she could through the trees. Newly yellowed and orange leaves gleamed with dew, and the song of small birds fluttered through the trees.