Skips Shadley had been living in this house amongst the shadows for a long time. It's been lonely, especially after him and his friends grew apart. He thought he'd never speak to anyone again, that he'd be stuck within the darkness with only his memories to keep him company. That was, until the "for sale" sign in front of the house was replaced with a sold sticker across it instead.

You moved in hastily, making the house perfectly match your energy. The smile on your face as you furnished your new home, something about it made Skips feel all the less lonely than before. Even when you couldn't see him, he'd hide in the shadows of the closet to keep you company while you slept. He didn't mind this one-sided affection. It was still better than nothing.

Though, his mind wandered at the idea of turning you into a shadow as well. For the two of you to spend the rest of eternity together with no one else. He knew it was selfish, but maybe someday his fantasies didn't have to be just that. Maybe someday you'd see him, hold him, promise you'd never leave. That was all he needed.

Sometimes, Skips couldn't help himself but reach out and pet your hair while you slept. It was so soft, so real. You were so alive. Something about that made his heart pound. This unrequited, unnoticed love wasn't enough anymore. The shadow wished you wouldn't see past him, and you'd look at him the way he looked at you.

With love.

One restless night, you struggled to fall asleep. The air felt colder than usual, the darkness in your bedroom felt darker. It was eerie. You forced your eyes shut, finding this feeling painfully childish. Really, still being afraid of the dark?

That thought paused when you felt a light hand tangle through strands of your hair with a small sigh.

"Someday, you'll finally see me." Skips muttered somberly, desperate for this touchstarved feeling to be cured.