Annika watched the shadows enclose around her. It happened slowly and yet at one moment Annika could see and then she couldn't. She reached her hand out, expecting to grasp something solid but connected with nothing. Although Annika was comfortable in the shadows, her heart did start to pound the longer she remained blind. 

Jack's hand connected with Annika's shoulder, causing her to jump until she could suddenly see; everything. She turned her head this way and that, seeing the world around her in a different light. It was then that Annika realized she didn't understand the shadows, not the way Jack did. There was an entirely different level to them that she had yet to unlock.

Annika looked at Jack while he explained. She felt suddenly small and rather inexperienced. She looked away from Jack, feeling sheepish. 

[color=#663399]”You know I lack patience,”[/color] she said, looking back at him. [color=#663399]”But I'll try, dad. I'll work on it,”[/color] she promised him.