when i was 9 years old, i saw him for the first time. standing tall in the hallway of this very house. his eyes shone through the dark, staring back at me. i was afraid, but could not move. he did not speak to me that night. he whispers in the dead of night, everyone can hear it but only few will listen. he's tall, like a tree. his back hunches into the ceiling, head pushed forward to fit through the door frame. he never moves, not while i look. he will only stare.