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Shadows that Follow
July 7, 2021|Short Story

Shadows that Follow

Shadows that Follow

Feeling the power to control everything at his fingertips, surely this day would unfold differently. Damien embarked on a new journey in the outside world. Calm down, he repeated to himself, while walking near a noisy road. Everything is going to be alright.

His awareness kept him relatively calm, and he was sure that everything would turn out as he had planned. Every footstep took him farther away from his last home, away from the places he knew. Damien saw for the first time a large building decorated with plants that hung from its walls.

Damien’s curiosity helped him walk without fear of the unknown. Everything will be different this time. As soon as he reached the entrance he saw a strange man by the door, wearing a black uniform. Damien immediately turned, realizing he made a mistake, but there was no one behind him.

It’s all in your imagination, he told himself.

Damien tried to act normally and entered the mall. At least that’s what he thought, while cheerily walking with the tune of a melody in his head, and picking up the pace as soon as he passed the guard. This has to be a trap.

Frustration overtook Damien when he realized his plans began to fail. Why do they want me? Can’t they understand I’m trying to put them behind me?

He took the first right and felt safe away from the guard. Then, Damien stopped and turned to see if there was someone chasing after him. The mall was filled with strangers, it was impossible for him to know.

No one is chasing you, he thought. Just relax. Breathe

Damien continued walking casually. Admiring the large glass wall in front of a store. Waiting for a signal to confirm his suspicion. Paying attention to the people walking nearby. There were too many of them. Damien couldn’t distinguish the people chasing him from the rest, and his heart began to race. It was now clear to him that he had fallen in their trap.

Act normal, he thought, let’s find a way out of here.

He saw a person walking out of a small hallway and walked towards it to hide. What am I going to do? he thought, grabbing a gun out of his backpack. There are too many of them.

Damien’s hand began to tremble, as he hid the gun behind him.

Breathe and wait for them to take the first step. Most of these people are not part of the trap.

Damien walked down the hallway to find a way out until he reached a dead end. There has to be another way out, he thought and returned to the large corridor of the mall. He tried to walk inconspicuously, but his fear made it almost impossible. He carefully studied all the people walking nearby, and imagined taking out the gun to defend himself.

This was the worst trap he had fallen into, Damien was sure that someone was about to attack him, and he felt trapped. He wanted a regular life. Like the people walking around him, unaware of the dangers behind the secret society. Free from the constant fear of getting caught.

Damien couldn’t remember a time in his life when he wasn’t running from them. Not even as a young boy. They had always chased after him. He had something they needed.

Calm down, he thought as soon as he saw an exit sign. Everything is going to be alright.

He walked towards the sign….

“Sir, would you like to try one of these…” said a beautiful young woman offering samples on a tray.

“I know what you’re doing,” Damien said and pulled the gun.

The woman froze as soon as she saw the gun pointed at her, and let go of the tray. The strange man behind the gun looked aggressive and ready to shoot.

“You won’t catch me alive,” he said and I raised his gun to shoot at the ceiling.

The people closest to the gun shot threw themselves to the ground, while the rest of the people in the mall stopped and turned to look in the direction of the blast.

The crowd began to run in search of the nearest exit. Damien also ran with them, and felt comfortable being part of the crowd. They were like a team with the same objective. They also wanted to escape from the people looking for him.

Damien allowed himself to be carried away by the group and concealed the weapon.

They can’t catch us now, he thought, and ran out of the mall.

86 comments
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Sebastian Iturralde

I am a fiction blogger and lover of literature, art, and all things creative. As a citizen of this beautiful planet, I am constantly inspired by the natural world around me.

86 comments

  • July 7, 2021 at 8:21 am

    When anyone say to you or usually we say to ourselves that I hate my life or some body say’s that your life is tough ,then smile and say ” I am more tougher than that ” .

  • July 7, 2021 at 8:28 am

    Well, that got my heart pumping for the day! lol Thank you for another great story 🙂

  • July 7, 2021 at 8:31 am

    Good…..

  • July 7, 2021 at 8:36 am

    Engrossing

  • July 7, 2021 at 9:09 am

    ✌✌

  • July 7, 2021 at 9:10 am

    I like the way you switch the pronouns around; it makes Damien seem schizophrenic. The “I raised his gun”… that’s really a fascinating technique. Thanks!

  • July 7, 2021 at 9:51 am

    I have to say this was so good i was intrigued and i enjoy it very much

  • July 7, 2021 at 10:19 am

    Is he suffering with paranoid delusions or is someone really after him. We are all be observed and we accept it as part of our lives… But there are rebels. Is Damien a rebel, does he know things that we don’t? I’ll await part 2 with baited breath…..

  • July 7, 2021 at 11:07 am

    good going with damein story if you are interested in fiction stories visit my blog for some epic ones and follow the blog and read the novels and like

  • July 7, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    In my superstitious society we would say this character is possessed by evil spirits. But I would personally say he is obsessed with illusions. And I was about to ask: could this be the reason behind the recent genocides in malls? Psychological problems?

  • July 7, 2021 at 12:36 pm

    This is the real deal.

  • July 7, 2021 at 1:21 pm

    Brilliant! If it is a description of a paranoid schizophrenic disorder, it is perfect; If his fears are real, it is captivating!

  • July 7, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    Wow…that was very cool. Can I read this story as well for my podcast ?

  • July 7, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    hey there .. just read your post.. its engaging and intiguing at the same time.. youre a brilliant writer!! 🙂

  • July 7, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    Great story

  • Levisong
    July 7, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    Well that’s comforting… That there are others…. That refuse to conform even when it’s easier to quit…..I like Damien , so few have true courage left

  • July 7, 2021 at 5:57 pm

    I enjoy your writing style. Easy to read and to engage. Having worked mental health, I can see some of my patients in this paradigm.

  • July 7, 2021 at 6:25 pm

    This is a very interesting story and plot. Reminds me of faces in the crowd–a German influence silent movie. Good mix of show and tell.

  • July 7, 2021 at 9:16 pm

    So awesome lines and picture also 👌🌷🙏

  • July 7, 2021 at 10:01 pm

    I enjoyed the story.

  • July 8, 2021 at 1:10 am

    Hey dear thanks to like my post pushplata here

  • July 8, 2021 at 3:14 am

    A well-written account of a schizophrenic dealing with his altered reality. We need more of such recordings, considering most of us are living in ignorance about their plight.

  • July 8, 2021 at 4:26 am

    Indeed thank you

    • July 8, 2021 at 4:51 am

      Wooooow , what a comment in a year I got to see like this , short but ” full of attitude and it’s very few words but you said Many words in this ” three worlds ” .

  • July 8, 2021 at 4:56 am

    Amazing

  • July 8, 2021 at 6:19 am

    Maybe not relevant – ghost from another life – Woman offering samples on a tray ? Alien now ?

  • July 8, 2021 at 10:47 am

    Thanks for your like of my post, “The Seal Judgments – Revelation 6:1-17;” your kindness is greatly appreciated.

  • July 8, 2021 at 1:41 pm

    I worked in a Mall, as an Optician. Since I was involved in the store there, I had access to the corridors that most never saw. The story was evocative to me, in that sense, and to others I’m sure that have been in Malls to the Restrooms or other services, some offices that pertain to the running of the mall are not in the otherwise premium store spaces, they are hidden.

    I’m interested in this, it is ripe with potential: “They can’t catch us now, he thought and ran out of the mall.” Namely the use of us.

    The other sentence: ““You won’t catch me alive,” he said and I raised his gun to shoot at the ceiling.”

    Is the “I” and “us” used in these two sentences the result of the plot, or the result of Translation? Only time will tell, perhaps.

    Great Work.

  • July 8, 2021 at 5:58 pm

    Interesting story – this is a pretty cool way to use a blog, I’m glad I found your site!

  • July 8, 2021 at 8:38 pm

    We all have shadows lurking about, demons waiting to suck our life energy from us. Disappearing in the crowd may seem safe, but what if the crowd has already been relieved of their life energy? When coming out of the pit, beware of the snare!

  • July 8, 2021 at 10:02 pm

    You know what would add to this story? Voices inside the man that bring up relevant information and generalizations about each person. I had this going on one time. It will eventually drive him insane, especially if he’s locked in and dragged with a desire he has to fight. The people who do such things need to work on that not messing things up. I stick my tongue out at them. Maybe I’ll write a small story later. I like your writing. You must be especially into thrillers.

  • July 9, 2021 at 3:51 am

    Well said buddy.

  • July 9, 2021 at 12:00 pm

    Great story. Thanks for the like on my post. im having a tough time right now, and that gesture helped quite a bit, its appreciated.

  • July 9, 2021 at 12:46 pm

    Blogger to fellow blogger, it’s a masterpiece

  • July 9, 2021 at 7:09 pm

    A stirring beginning for what promises to be a compelling story.

  • July 9, 2021 at 11:23 pm

    Indeed🤍

  • July 10, 2021 at 12:20 am

    Does Damine fight with mental disorders? Sounds like he could be schizophrenic. Hits close to home for me as I have family members who have felt with mental disorders. Good read, though.

  • July 10, 2021 at 2:34 am

    david

  • July 10, 2021 at 7:11 am

    Looking forward the next one

  • July 10, 2021 at 8:48 am

    So for your next post my friend, guns hidden, tell us about a you. About normal days.

  • July 10, 2021 at 9:38 am

    This story has such great tone! The suspense grips me from the beginning. Amazing writing.

  • July 10, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    Yeah!! It’s real
    People are going through many things in the same situation. They could not able think about them, some will find a new path to living but some couldn’t. Support those who need you.

  • July 10, 2021 at 3:45 pm

    You’re the first person to whom I followed amazingly you are using your pen, I’m glad I found your site

  • July 11, 2021 at 12:00 am

    Hey please follow me ;
    I am a new blogger if you could support me please

  • July 11, 2021 at 12:46 am

    Well my demons💔

  • July 11, 2021 at 5:59 am

    You are genius bro

  • July 11, 2021 at 11:58 am

    Waiting for the next part. 🙂

  • July 11, 2021 at 10:05 pm

    Walking – in a new or strange place, always a new or strange feeling /or both/. One evening long ago I was walking along the Nanjing Road in Shanghai, in the evening, realizing that I would not be able to understand anyone here, or be understood by them – an uneasy feeling that was a kind of freedom.

  • July 12, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    Brilliant, well done! It inspires me to think about my own writing.

  • July 13, 2021 at 2:32 am

    This is engrossing really

  • July 13, 2021 at 9:43 am

    I love your posts ✌

  • July 13, 2021 at 6:27 pm

    As you go along with the paranoid crowd, Here’s your song for the day, by the Kinks called Destroyer:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WJ6FbcWYRU

  • July 13, 2021 at 6:34 pm

    Here’s another good song for you about paranoia by Beck (it’s called motherfucker) definitely don’t just drive around but speed in L.A. to it blasting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-9AfdzMw5w

  • July 14, 2021 at 12:58 am

    All I can say is WOW!

  • July 14, 2021 at 2:55 am

    This is a good one.

  • July 14, 2021 at 12:31 pm

    Wow! This is really interesting! Very wonderful story you’ve written here with wonderful prose. I wouldn’t mind reading a part 2 😉

  • July 18, 2021 at 10:20 am

    I really enjoy your writing style, and I love how you write in English and Spanish. I would love to try that one day!

  • July 19, 2021 at 3:13 am

    I really enjoyed this…

  • July 19, 2021 at 9:57 am

    I’m hooked! Intriguing storyline! Very much enjoy your writing and story-telling skills.

  • Boilingwater
    July 20, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    What a captivating read from top to bottom, simply fantastic. Can’t wait for the sequel!

  • July 21, 2021 at 10:06 am

    I can’t imagine but I can… how this makes you feel… terrifying to not know who is who, and who you can trust… hitting deep emotions 🙃

  • July 23, 2021 at 10:40 am

    Great

  • July 23, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Reading your short stories make an impact on my spirit (Dowie). I have a feeling that I know you from someplace else in the time-space continuum. You have charismatic attributes that remind me of the.’ spellbinding Oral History in a storytelling format, my people, passed down for generations. And you are correct. Creativity is born from the natural world around us and of the creation ancestors themselves. You’re going to make it. You’re in

  • July 24, 2021 at 5:44 am

    Interesting Story

  • July 25, 2021 at 9:34 am

    Thanks for all that you do with you site; it is needed. Also, thanks for following my site, and for your likes of my posts, which are encouraging for me. Please have a wonderful day.

  • July 26, 2021 at 2:46 am

    Good luck, thanks to your new work.

  • July 26, 2021 at 6:18 am

    Awesome story!

  • July 26, 2021 at 9:15 am

    That was some very vivid writing. You are gifted👏

  • July 27, 2021 at 4:47 am

    INSPIRING STORY.

  • July 27, 2021 at 10:15 am

    I keep coming here for more of your short stories…Thank so much

  • July 28, 2021 at 12:39 am

    Marvelous

  • July 29, 2021 at 5:36 am

    Woah Sebastian. This is so good. Wow

  • July 31, 2021 at 11:54 am

    Uncanny, the very words uttered by the man in my eulogy. Keep crating!

  • August 2, 2021 at 3:18 pm

    At first I thought it was a dystopian story, but then it seemed the danger was his own delusions. He was so far gone that the gun and the shooting could have been in his imagination as well, especially since he slipped into the crowd so easily.

  • August 7, 2021 at 11:45 pm

    It was a great plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the story

  • August 11, 2021 at 4:04 am

    It was such a nice read.

  • August 16, 2021 at 12:47 pm

    Hey, thanks again for your story. I did find time to read even I am pack with something. Cheers.

  • September 12, 2021 at 10:17 pm

    Nice bro I have see your every blog is very amazing and fantastic

  • October 15, 2021 at 1:32 am

    Well well enjoy

  • juan re crivello
    November 25, 2021 at 2:53 am

    Link, un abrazo Juan https://gobblersmasticadores.wordpress.com/2021/11/25/shadows-that-follow-by-sebastian-iturralde/

  • Darcy Erickson
    November 27, 2021 at 9:25 am

    Made me want to see more of your writings!

  • coffeewithmissd
    December 2, 2021 at 3:42 pm

    Your brilliant talent shines through once again. Love this one!!

  • January 17, 2022 at 6:23 am

    Very interesting post. You’re a very creative personality. Temperament wise, you must be a melancholy or sanguine or even both. Keep it up!

  • February 23, 2022 at 12:55 pm

    Great story gipping and i could identify with Damien, any more like this.

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    Author's Note
    The Andes' highlands served as a source of inspiration for this short story. I hope you'll find the same beauty and wonder in its words that I did while crafting it.
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