Kasie Pedulla

The Man in the Shadows

The Man in the Shadows It was an unusually warm and sunny evening despite the sporadic thunderstorms that had occurred throughout the day. Annalise turned off her car radio and rolled down the windows as she rounded the corner to her childhood home. A gust of wind hit her face, blowing wisps of dark curly hair across her full lips. She smiled as she observed the scenery, gazing lovingly at the sun setting behind the trees along the road. She always loved the drive home. Something about the secluded and scenic road had always made her feel serene. She admired the mysterious and enchanting ambience of the forest. She followed the tree line with her eyes, marveling at the mystical beauty of her surroundings. As she reached the end of the road, she noticed a shadowy figure dart across the trees. Strange, she thought. Just an animal? She paused as she reached the front gate to the home, absorbing her surroundings before entering. She sighed and drove through. A crack of thunder rumbled loudly in the distance. After 10 long years, Annalise had finally returned home.