Tim walked slowly down an alley. Out of people sight. The sun was high in the sky and light pounded down on him. The light hurt. Every step was an effort. He came toward the end of the alley. The streets were busy and full.<br/><br/>Tim turned and took another alley. So many people, Tim thought. Normally he avoided cities. But something had brought him here. Something he didnâ€™t understand. But something he knew about. The darkness, the beast that dwelled inside him. Tim didnâ€™t know what it wanted or why it tortured him so. Itâ€™s cold voice always in his head. Commanding him. It had commanded him here. To this city. At the end of this alley he saw a busy homeless shelter. Tim wished he could eat something.<br/><br/>He walked down a different alley.  There was a stray cat on a dumpster. It hissed at him and ran away. Animals didnâ€™t like him ether. They were afraid.<br/><br/>â€œ<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">As they should be</span></span>,â€ said a cold icy voice. Tim pressed on ward till he came to the end of the alley. The alley ended next to a diner, full of people. â€œ<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">They should all be afraid.</span></span>â€ The voice was getting louder.<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">â€œIf they are not, then weâ€™ll make the</span></span>m.â€ Timâ€™s head felt like it was going to spilt.  Tim fell to his knees. The voice got louder with each word. â€œ<span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">Soon, they will know true fear. This little dream of a life they lead, shall give way to a nightmare. A nightmare that you will cause!</span></span>â€ Tears welled up in Timâ€™s eyes.<br/><br/>Tendrils of darkness emerged from Timâ€™s back and grabbed a nearby trash can. The tentacles of shadow crushed the can and its contents into a wad the size of a baseball.  Tim watched the event happen. The tendrils vanished into his body. He dragged himself away to find somewhere to go to sleep, because the only place he felt truly safe, was in his dreams.