Shadows

Shadows

The night air stole the sound. It yanked it from existence, silencing the darkness and leaving the shadows to their masquerade.

Branches shook. Leaves trembled. Rustling filled the air. Silent shadows raced across the forest floor. They bounced off tree trunks. They dove under bushes. Their faceless heads poked around rocks and watched.

Watched me.

Dry wood clacked above. A shadow dropped from the sky, landing on the ground at my feet. Brown leaves crackled under its weightless footsteps.

Stepping back, I stumbled. One of the shadows wiggled out from under me, tossing up fallen leaves as it skittered away.