I see shadows. They are all I see. They surround me. How can they always find me? Perhaps through eyes to small for me to see but no, how can they always find me?

I ponder this as I enjoy the gentle breeze. Now nothing can get near me. I place my chin on my knees and sit still in the shade of the trees. I feel at peace with the buzz of the bees.

I close my eyes and hug my knees. No longer do I enjoy the gentle breeze. I open my eyes and watch as all about me everything begins to freeze.

No longer do I hear the buzz of the bees. Behind me are the remains of a tree.

I try to stand but fall to my knees. I look up. One is watching me. It comes from behind a withered tree. Then another from somewhere behind me. Still more come as if I were some site to see. I can only imagine why they would search for me as one-by-one they come from behind the sickly trees.

I shake, barely able to stay on my knees. I begin to cry and all I can see is a shadow bend down in front of me. It wipes my eyes with fingers unseen It’s touch is so inviting.

My knees give way as a new shadow comes from beneath me.

At last I see….

-Morik Blaze Nerin