As his parents reached out with hugs, Jeffrey stiffened, pulling Teddy close.
Could children see the shadows behind Mommy and Daddy’s eyes? Would his birthday guests remain safe?
Sometimes, the shadows offered loving embraces. Sometimes, Jeffrey knew, they exploded, stinging and bruising, reveling in the pain.
Scared for their playmates, boy and bear kept watch.
Then Jeffrey and his best friend disappeared.
It was the trail of popped balloons that led police to them lying on the lawn. Jeffrey, motionless, was cradling his now ripped and scissored Teddy.
The sun was setting. No one noticed the shadows.
Could children see the shadows behind Mommy and Daddy’s eyes? Would his birthday guests remain safe?
Sometimes, the shadows offered loving embraces. Sometimes, Jeffrey knew, they exploded, stinging and bruising, reveling in the pain.
Scared for their playmates, boy and bear kept watch.
Then Jeffrey and his best friend disappeared.
It was the trail of popped balloons that led police to them lying on the lawn. Jeffrey, motionless, was cradling his now ripped and scissored Teddy.
The sun was setting. No one noticed the shadows.
