One day, a shadow peeled out from behind a slight young woman

Make no mistake – it wasn’t her fault

But once it’d escaped

It began to wreak havoc on those it met

Creeping and skulking

It had a vise-grip on those who surrounded it

Apprehension, terror, and trepidation leaked into some victims - and spewed into others

In a year’s time, the shadow had covered the face of the earth,

Its tendrils spreading with crippling rapidness

The shadow never stopped – nor did it discriminate against its bountiful prey

One day, the shadow saw a little girl

Her skin was like porcelain, her fine hair like fire, and her heart like a ray of sun

The shadow formed a cruel, simple scheme

In the night, it moved darkness over the child

Suddenly, nighttime held terrors for her The shadow knew it had conquered all.