Shadow

Ally sighed frustrated with the brush she held in her hand. Painting was an activity often done outside in order to teach the patients to concentrate, but she grew more frustrated with every stroke.

"I'm really impressed Alicia." Came a low voice behind her. The girl however didn't turn around knowing all too well who the person was. Her gut clenched as she tried to keep her face emotionless not wanting the man to see how much effect he had upon her.

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you are referring to." She mumbled as she dipped her paintbrush back into the paint before returning to her canvas. She tried to hum a soft tune hoping he'd leave, but he got closer to her making her skin crawl.

Chuckling to himself, the director walked to the side tilting his head toward the artwork before him scanning it intently.

"It's a good thing someone's artwork isn't graded as a requirement to leave this place. Because I'm afraid you'd stay here forever. With me."

Ally's hand paused as she pursed her lips she resisted the urge of forming a fist. She knew she was no artist, but she didn't enjoy being taunted by the bully.

Ignoring him, she tried to gracefully paint once again.

"You're acting has gotten better." He stated now gaining her attention. "But if you don't learn to speak to me privately, I'm afraid I'll be telling miss Lawrence about your continuing defiant behavior."

Ally frowned looking into the man's green eyes giving him a challenging look. He knew she wasn't crazy, yet he didn't want to lose precious time with the blonde. He was a corrupt individual hoping to keep the girl nearby him at all times.

"Then I guess I'll suggest she look at the cameras." Ally smiled. "Do you really believe the cameras were only installed because of my behavior? I'm sure the next time I hit you, miss Lawrence will see why." She mocked looking back at her drawing. She smiled at the memory of when he had approached her with no one around thinking she would keep quiet before she kicked him directly in the balls before she ran away.

"Hmmm." He hummed placing his hands behind his back. "Those cameras have been a nuisance with my usual… activities." He sighed referring to the times he took advantage of the female patients. "I thought you were trying to escape all those times. I didn't realize you were planning to have me monitored."

"I'm so sorry you have to find a new hobby." She scoffed.

But before he could reply, another nurse approached the director whispering something in his ear. He quickly dispersed not even glancing at Ally who let out a breath of fresh air. Although she acted tough, she was terrified of the director.

"Ummm, is that suppose to be a dinosaur?" Came the tiny squeaky voice of her blue headed friend.

Ally frowned once more as she placed her equipment down.

"No. I was trying to draw a horse." She sighed knowing she would never become talented with the paintbrush.

"It's a good thing you're pretty, because this is a real red flag." Mocked Tiera who stayed close to the human. "No human male could find this appealing!"

"Just for your information," Ally stated standing up looking down so the cameras couldn't see her lips moving, "there's not exactly anyone to impress!"

Alicia began walking around her canvas that was set up on the stand. Right now was the right moment to interact with the other patients by contemplating their own artwork. She knew deep down that talking to the human would look better than her talking to something they couldn't see.

She began approaching everyone stating what she enjoyed about their work while laughing at their silly comments. She felt joyful hoping it was showing on the cameras.

Finally Ally approached a painting seeing a large black figure that made her breath hitched as she stood frozen almost shocked.

"Is something wrong?" Came the shy voice of the little boy she had befriended.

Ally looked at Shad who also had the same blonde hair and blue eyes she took in appearance. Many thought the two were related, but they had only met through the institution.

She gulped slighting trying to control herself as she looked back at the painting giving out a forced smile.

"Very creative." She choked out trying to sound normal.

Shad shrugged slightly before raising his brush up painting the figure with dead black eyes.

"Every time I have a dream, this figure shows up. I'm hoping if I paint it out, he won't rescue in my dreams." He stated.

Ally looked back at Shad who had obviously been taking his medication which made him more calm. When he was first brought in, he kept claiming on having visions and only spoke in riddles. But the medicine helped making him feel normal.

She smiled sadly looking back at the painting.

"He doesn't look very friendly." She stated inspecting the work.

"He's not."

Shad continued to paint the shadow figure while Alicia looked at someone who resembled a being she once befriended as a child.