My Shadow Took Over

I was walking home late last night when I noticed something wrong with my shadow. The streetlights

were consistent, but my shadow was moving a half-second slower than I was. I stopped; it took

a moment to freeze. I waved; it lingered for a heartbeat before waving back. Panic rising,

I started to sprint, but when I glanced down, my shadow wasn't running anymore—it

was standing perfectly still, watching me leave it behind. I reached my front

door, fumbled with my keys, and burst inside, slamming the door

shut. I took a deep breath, thinking I was safe in the dark entry hall.

But then, I felt a cold hand wrap around my ankle from the floor. A voice,