Against the Wall

Another lightning storm and she found a scared Papa standing, his back pressed against the far wall, yet again.

“It’s only lightening, Papa,” the nurse gently coo’d, “No need to be frightened.”

“No. It’s the shadow that comes with it?” his voice quivered.

“I don’t understand, Papa. What shadow?”

“The shadow that wants to get behind me — behind you.”

“What happens if a shadow gets behind us, Papa?”

“Death!”

“Non-sense, it’s only a shadow, that’s all, Papa.”

But she wasn’t looking when the lightning next flashed. Papa pressed himself harder against the wall, eyes closed, knowing what would happen next.