Shadow Standoff

I tiptoed into the dim hallway after heading back inside for the night. Right by the floor, an amber nightlight cast a colossal, spiky silhouette straight across the wall. My cartoon reflexes kicked in immediately! I quickly hoisted my felt anvil into a defensive block, crouched low, and squinted into the gloom. The giant figure crouched right along with me. I gave a hesitant twitch of my left ear—and the shadow's ear twitched in perfect sync. Realizing the comedic punchline, I couldn't help but chuckle softly. I spent the next few minutes striking exaggerated action poses, watching my stretched-out shadow play along like my very own animated co-star.