The shadows washed away like the receding waves of night's tide, leaving only a haunted feeling in both the doctor and the patient. Gunther found himself back in his office with that same collection of voices from within the void whispering into his ear "<em>No matter how many thousands you counted, it wouldn't have mattered. Hallucinations are for the weak. We are the shades of reality, dwelling on it's edges. We are the borders of sanity given form. We are the darkest thoughts that mankind pushes down to the most remote depths of their minds, but I assure you, we are no mere figments of your imagination. Do not presume to insult us again by passing us off as..hallucinations</em>". The voices took on a disdainful note when they said that last word. "<em>We had hoped you were stronger than that. Do not prove us wrong again</em>".<br/><br/>The other patient and his "holy cock" were nowhere to be found. It was almost as if he had been swallowed by the darkness.<br/><br/>Into the ear of the woman, the voices whispered "<em>Nine times nine is eighty one, but only once the Eight are done...Nine times nine is eighty one, but only once the Eight are done...Nine times nine is eighty one, but only once the Eight are done...Nine times nine is eighty one, but only once the Eight are done.. </em>" The voices repeated this over and over until she could not be sure if they were still speaking or if only their words remained, echoing through her broken mind.