Story Shorts: Shade Secrets

Shade Secrets

Mara always thought she was different. As a child, while others played gleefully under the sun, she would sit in the shade, lost in conversations with her shadow. It wasn’t just an ordinary shadow; it had feelings, emotions, and a voice. Her parents dismissed it as an imaginary friend, but Mara knew better.

Years went by, and the bond between Mara and her shadow, Lysa, grew. They would laugh, dance, and even cry together. Lysa always seemed to know exactly how to comfort Mara in times of distress.

However, as the days turned into months and months into years, Mara began to notice a peculiar pattern. Whenever she'd talk about her future plans or dreams, Lysa would grow distant, almost sad.

One day, while they were watching a sunset, Mara decided to confront her. "Lysa," she began, "Why do you always seem upset when I talk about the future?"

Lysa hesitated before replying, "It's because I remember our past."

"Our past?" Mara asked, puzzled.

Lysa began to recount a tale from a time long ago, where shadows and humans were intertwined in a cycle of reincarnation. Every shadow was once a living being, carrying memories of its past existence.

"I was once like you," Lysa whispered, her tone filled with emotion. "But a tragedy befell me, and my life was cut short. Our souls were bound together, and now I exist as your shadow, cherishing our shared moments."

Mara was taken aback. "So, you've lived my life before? You've felt my emotions, my dreams?"

Lysa nodded. "Every dream you dream, every hope you harbor, is a reflection of my unfulfilled desires. I'm here to guide you, protect you, so you can accomplish what I couldn't."

Mara's eyes welled up with tears. "But why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"I didn't want to burden you," Lysa replied. "But now that you know, promise me one thing."

"Anything," Mara whispered.

"Live your life to the fullest. Fulfill our shared dreams and remember that I'll always be here, by your side."

The two embraced in a heartwarming moment, understanding the depth of their connection. From that day on, Mara lived with a renewed passion, knowing she wasn't just living for herself but for the memory of the soul that once was.