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.