[ WP ] A man suddenly gains the ability to talk to his shadow . As they converse , it becomes apparent the shadow is real and the man is what the shadow casts .

`` This can not be real'' said the man as he stared into the black mass. The shape familiar, but the interaction very different. `` But it is.'' responded the void. As the man looked intently at his shadow he noticed how deep the dark actually was. How absolute the shape, and sharp the edge. Had it always been this way he wondered? `` How can this be, how can one speak with his shadow? And how can a shadow respond?'' asked the man. `` We've always been connected, you and I. Moving separately, yet as one. I ask this of you. How can two things be so close and yet be so vastly far apart? Only now that the thread between us is severed can we truly understand.'' responded the shape. `` But we are not two, you see.'' said the man, sharply. `` We are one. I am the man that casts the shadow. I am the one who the light touches, who walks in its glory.'' The man said smugly. `` If it were not for me you would cease to exist.'' A silence filled the air, and for the first time the man felt slightly crazy for speaking with this shadow. ``... That is were you are mistaken.'' Whispered the Shadow. `` The sun may guide you, but it is a shadow itself. I do not blame you for your ignorance, for it is all that you know. All that you *could* have known.'' 
 
 `` Much like how the eye can only see light and color, your perception of the universe is as narrow as a horses sight with blinders on. Shadow is not void but whole, space not empty but filled, life not finite but eternal.'' The man grew visibly uncomfortable, yet the shadow continued. `` To perceive is not to understand.'' The Dark Shape grew louder. `` It is not I who is attached to thee but you, who are bound in *my* light.'' 
 
 `` This can not be!'' yelled the man. `` Oh but it is, and all you need to do to truly understand is simply close your eyes and embrace the void.'' Unsure the man placed his hand on the wall beside him to brace himself, then slowly he began to close his eyes. As the light from the summer evening faded him, he saw only darkness. ``... my eyelids.'' said the man after a moment of waiting. `` Look.'' said the shadow. `` Do not perceive, but understand.'' 
 
 `` Understand what?'' Asked the man. `` Understand that *you* are the shadow.'' Whispered the voice. 
 
 With a flash the man saw in his darkness, the universe in all its splendor. Not as he perceives it, but as it truly exists.
