I entered a bit ashamed... or a bit frightened. I'm still not able to tell the difference. It had been one of those walks where I had a collection of psuedo-epiphanies I couldn't remember a block later. I texted my friend Joe one of them, but I'm still convinced it was the weakest of the thoughts. But here I am, stumbling into the moonlight of houses-and-trees no longer being houses-and-trees but being baseball fields instead. I have to walk by them, or through them. I was flustered the last time I walked through them and the shadows were bubbling tonight so I chose to stay on the sidewalk. I looked towards that floating light above the rich peoples' hill. Here ya are. Been worried about ya. I laughed to myself because I had just equated rich people to some of the heavens above. He'd been worried about me... that's either a compliment or a threat. There was a sprinkler leaving its mark on the sidewalk. I stepped to the street but there was a car parked so I stepped a bit more to the middle of the street. Having a good night? Well, yes. I had a splendid evening with my friend, Jona. Well, yes. I had a splendid night with my friend Jona. I feel lucky to be seen by the power but I keep my guard. It is only stepping forward towards pressing power that can grace you from succumbing to it. So I step. Back on the sidewalk, I cough my weirdly raspy chuckle. You're brown tonight... and I know you're waning. Do you feel you lost? You speak brashly tonight. You sent your henchmen. They put my friend in the hospital. Could've been you. He's right, you know. But. I'm sorry, I don't mean to put you on the spot. You give me light now and I appreciate it. He chuckles. I know why. You know I've been hanging out with the morning. Yes. Well, she is more invigorating. She lights the rest of my day... you... you light my downfall of a day. You and I both know that's false... I can't call you a night-owl because you don't sleep when she rises. He's right you know. It's not the drugs, its not the alcohol, they sure as fuck contribute, but I'd be up all night sometimes without them. You're right. I'm at the end of the fields and he slips out of view. He was so orange tonight... it wasn't orange... it was brown. I only have two blocks left to my home. He's behind a tree now, though. The sidewalk is the only safe place I can be. Under that car the shadows churn. Vindication is not his style. Nothing which gives light can be harmful. Thinking loud enough for me to hear you, a bit afraid are you. I wasn't tonight. My confidence is always obliterated by my step into my neighborhood. I have created demons. He thinks he's part of the trope. He revels in it. He's not. Nothing which gives light can be harmful. I don't give Her light I merely pass it on. He's a child. Then why don't you keep it for yourself. She gives it for you to keep yet you pass it on to the cursed like me.

Nothing then, but the boiling shadows are back as I walk back at night.

I make it home as a surprise, as before I made his acquaintance.