Five Shadows

He didn't know how it happened or when it started, but he had been in many places where he cast multiple shadows, and didn't think anything of it, but now, everywhere he went, he cast five shadows. He didn't know why, and nothing seemed to be amiss, but each day it preyed a little more on his mind.

People always asked how he did it, and he replied that he didn't have a clue, but like himself, people became more wary of the shadows.

he was losing friends, he lost his job, and he had to do something. He spoke to a doctor and then a priest, the priest suggested it could be the souls of lost friends and family, but they did don communicate with him, so if they were even slightly sentient, they might even wish him harm.

Certainly, since their appearance, his life had deteriorated.

He visited clairvoyants, mediums, and witches who took his money, gave their advice, and cast their spells to no avail.

He took to going to fairgrounds and sports grounds at night, where, because of the lighting, no one noticed the shadows except him, but if he was out during the day, he was noticed.

Then one day, out of the blue, someone called out to him.

"Hey man, I noticed that you have five shadows. Did you go to the XVX Cosplay event earlier this year?"

The guy seemed genuine, so he replied:

"Yes, I did, why do you ask?"

"Well, we were a bit naughty and sprayed some people with a hologram gas, to give them a hologram twin. We didn't ask because we wanted to shock and surprise them, but it didn't work, and left them with five shadows. We have a cleaner that can remove them, and we think you are the last one."

He followed the guy and was still dubious about being sprayed with the cleaner, but he let it happen, and afterwards was overjoyed that he had just a single shadow.

He was normal once again, and no doubt people would want to know what happened to the other four shadows, and now he had a tale to tell.