The Silent Paula

She lived austerely, entangled in a premature maturity. She used to arrive at her empty house and greet; only her echo answered back. Her nights unfolded, filled with noises, and yet she slept peacefully—accustomed to that shadow etched along the staircase. Three years living alone, accompanied only by something that crouched in the house’s dim corners. Day after day, she waited for a reply from that echo, for a rupture in the silence.

One night, the shadow chose to leave its dwelling, catching its unsuspecting victim off guard. In that instant, Paula felt her heart collapse like an accordion—but she leapt upon the shadow and swallowed it whole.