Shadows

Spencer trudged along, contemplating his ongoing dilemma: finding a sense of belonging at yet another new school. The route he traveled had fascinating shadows of trees and buildings, and he stayed in those shadows. Not having a shadow of his own usually wasn’t a problem, as most of the time no one noticed, but every once in a while other students gave him strange looks. Especially in each new community, since as a military family, they relocated on a regular basis.

His absorption with shadows, though, gave him a focus during the lonely times. Not having one of his own, he adopted shadows of particular objects as his friends; it was safer than messing with the shadows of other people.

“Hey, Spencer, how’s it going?” Hearing a voice behind his right shoulder, Spencer turned in surprise, as he’d never been sought out in the neighborhood before.

“Uh, fine, Hannah.” Spencer found himself tongue-tied, in awe of an individual with such a looming shadow, particularly a female. This late in the afternoon, the shadow of Hannah’s almost six-foot frame lengthened impressively.

Slowing her stride to match his, she said, “Why don’t you ever speak to anyone? Everybody thinks you’re a snob, that you consider yourself better than the rest of us.”

Spencer stared at her in disbelief. “No, on the contrary, but I’m not normal—see?” He gestured toward the sidewalk.

“Amazing,” Hannah shook her head. “You’re obviously not transparent; have you talked with a doctor or scientist to see if they have any theories?”

“Hardly.” Spencer gave her a wry smile. “It’s more helpful to research and investigate this on my own. So far my assumption is that since shadows are formed when an object blocks light, somehow my body allows light to transcend it.”

“Have you ever imagined what it would be like to find yourself a new shadow?” Hannah surprised him by thinking out of the ordinary with him.