The mother held her breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she anticipated his response. The dim light of dawn cast soft shadows across the room, adding an air of mystery to the unfolding scene. Her eldest son looked up at her, his eyes wide and sincere, filled with a depth of understanding that seemed beyond his years.
With a shy but earnest voice, he whispered, “I have to keep him safe, Mom. The shadow man comes at night.”
The mother’s blood ran cold. Her mind raced, trying to make sense of his words. She had never seen or heard anything unusual in the house. They lived in a quiet neighborhood, surrounded by familiar faces, with nothing that suggested any danger. Yet, here was her son, steadfast in his belief, speaking of a “shadow man” who visited at night.
