Invisibility. It is my greatest weapon against the masses. Tricky to wield, difficult to master, it favours those who cling to the dark, who hang on to the black tendrils of night and welcome its cold embrace. The black shroud I weave in the shadows allows me avoid unwanted attention. I watch children as they play, their hair glistening as it reflects the sun. I watch couples as they wander hand in hand, whispering sweet comforts to each other as they revel in the sunrise, or as they cling to each other with words of come back and don't leave as the rays disappear over the horizon. I watch as people hurry along, a look of fear in their eyes as they imagine the all-powerful stranger stealing their freedom from under their noses at the mere click of a finger. I watch, and I do not care.
Never have I sought acceptance from those who thrive in the light. The shadows are my home, the night is my delight. You would perhaps describe me as the stuff of your nightmares, the ever-present creature that lurks in the corner of your mind. Yet you cannot see me. I exist as an idea, a lingering nameless fear. Invisibility is my weapon, as it is the only thing that truly works against curiosity. It is the only way my secret has lasted so long.
This weapon is not without its weaknesses. The veil of darkness does nothing to sate my desire, my longing, my hunger. When the crowds descend, and their scents and warmth invade my senses like the rush of a raging river, I can lose control. It happened once. Never again. The secret is too important. It is EVERYTHING.
And I am not alone. We hide under your bed, in your closet, behind your door. We invade your nightmares with the intensity of a starved dog who has discovered a bone. We feed on your pain, your fear, your suffering. There is no escaping us. We are EVERYWHERE.
And despite all the red flags, and warning signing telling you to run, to escape, to survive, you embrace us. You can't get enough. Every time.
Author's Note: Hey guys! Its been a while, hasn't it! Life has a funny way of making itself the star of the show, and I confess that in the last few years I gave it my full attention. But I'm back! Although originally I intended to leave the earlier chapters in their original state, my pride as a writer would not allow my teenage self to dominate the narrative (be honest, the original writing has room for improvement). So, long story short, I will be editing every chapter of In Our Midst to expand the narrative, the lore and the character development, before concluding the first chapter of the first tale (yes, I had always intended for it to inspire at the very least a sequel). But fear not, for I will also be uploading all the original chapters in a seperate story for those who disagree with me and love to stick it to the originals (Star Wars fans, wink wink nudge nudge).
For those who have stuck with the story, checking in every couple of months to see if there has been any development, I am here as your fairy-frickin-godmother to make those wishes come true and reward your persistence, so bibbity-bobbity-boo and all that hullabaloo! Or, if you are a first time reader interested in following this dark and somewhat self-indulgent path, then I hope you enjoy your ride! Be seeing you all again soon!
Love,
Elena