Shadows
by baru-chan
Disclaimer: Howl's Moving Castle belongs to Diana Wynne Jones. No money was made from writing this work of fan fiction, and copyright infringement is not intended.
Summary: Howl ponders on the nature of his love for Sophie.
I watch as shadows play across the ceiling.
I could not help but think that they are like my love for Sophie -- a love that is fleeting and half-teasing, something that comforts one who are afraid of the glaring light, of being too tangible.
Shadows are intangible.
They exist everywhere. When an object blocks light, it casts a shadow upon the ground, a hint of what it really looks like. Those who are afraid of shadows are usually the ones who try to escape reality.
But I digress. I was talking about my love for Sophie, was I not?
Shadows are comforting. They are there to show us that what we have is still ours, what we don't have is still not ours, and who we like and don't like are still alive.
Anything that does not cast shadows is not real. That is what I learned a long time ago.
The sound of rustling sheets interrupts my thoughts. I turn and watch Sophie sleep instead.
For the sake of us all, I wish there are shadows until the end of Time.
Author's Notes: It is 6:30AM, and this author is still sleepy. The "shadow" metaphor is the product of this author's sub-conscious state. This author blames Howl for disturbing her sleep.