The Shadow in the Fog
Some nights, solitude and fog conceal secrets best left undiscovered. What I’m about to share happened to me.
I was coming back from a perfect evening: I had just presented some of my stories at a bookstore, greeted with enthusiasm. I caught the train home, but I didn’t realize right away what was waiting for me.
As I left the station, the fog was so dense that even the glow of the streetlights seemed to dissolve into a single, ghostly haze. The streets had disappeared, wrapped in an eerie silence. Even the cars crawled along, hesitant, and crossing the road became more about listening than seeing.
Bundled up in my coat with my hat pulled low, I walked quickly. But when I reached Aldo Moro Avenue, I froze. The shadow of a lamppost seemed to rise... morphing into a towering human-like figure. I shook my head, blaming it on tricks played by my overactive imagination.
Moments later, other shadows started shifting around me. And with them came a shrill, sinister sound: "Eeeeeeeeeeeeehh…” The streets were empty, yet that unreal wail pierced the silence.
Then it happened. A force tugged at my coat, another at my arm. I whipped around, but there was nothing there. The sound grew louder, like a chorus from another dimension: "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehh…"
I shouted, “Who’s there? Show yourself!” But no one answered. I kept walking, terror growing with every step.
Suddenly, I felt an invisible barrier in front of me. No matter how hard I tried to move forward, something held me back. Invisible hands pulled at my jacket, trying to snatch my hat. I had the unsettling feeling I wasn’t alone.
As I neared my street, I felt trapped by mysterious forces. It was as though a wall blocked my way, preventing me from moving forward despite my best efforts. Something—or someone—was keeping me from reaching home. That haunting sound grew louder, clearer, and deafening: "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhh!"
Panicked, I broke free and retraced my steps, finding a parallel road closer to home, better lit. I managed to move forward, but the path to my building was still drenched in thick fog, teeming with shadows.
I tried to cross again, but unseen hands held me still, immovable, despite my pushing with all my strength. It felt as if something wanted to keep me from returning home.
I was tugged by my collar, my jacket yanked, and someone—or something—tried to steal my hat. I couldn’t see what it was, but I fought with all my might to hold my ground.
With one last effort, I turned on my phone’s flashlight. The beam of light seemed to repel the shadows. I ran toward my building’s door, but just as I reached it, a deep, baritone voice echoed behind me:
"You were lucky…
…but the fog will always be here…
…and so will we."
I stumbled into my home, my heart pounding. Those words still reverberate in my mind. What were those shadows? What secrets does the fog hide?
Sometimes, perhaps, our world brushes against other realities... terrifying, unfathomable ones.
What do you think? Have you ever experienced something similar? Share your story… if you dare.