"Excuse me sir. Could you please move over a bit? You're
blocking my sun."
"Good one Shadow! You're looking sharp, what brings you here
today?"
"A brilliant sunny day, of course, and a need to discuss some
important business with you."
"Business? I came out here to take a break from business. The
park is beautiful today."
"It is, but, well, we've been noticing some disturbing changes
lately. My colleagues are concerned."
"We? I have more than one shadow?"
"Certainly. You block more than sunlight my friend. You have a
dedicated team of shadows, all with important roles. A professional
cast of characters, excuse the pun."
"Pun?"
"Cast a shadow. Cast of characters. Please try to keep up, I
have only 500 words to deliver my message."
"Is that some kind of shadow-twitter rule?"
"No, it's a rule imposed by ..., never mind ..."
"Sorry, I'm a bit preoccupied. Business has been very good.
More responsibility every day. If I play this right, a promotion
will be mine."
"Exactly. You see, some of your shadows work with concepts that
are a bit more abstract than light waves. Things like recognition,
attention, and so on. Their workload has been expanding rapidly
lately. They can barely keep up."
"So, why aren't they talking to me? Are you the gofer who has
to deliver messages?"
"Gofer? I take umbrage at that remark, excuse the ..."
"Stop! I got that one. Umbrage, from the Latin umbra,
meaning shade, or shadow."
"Nicely done. Anyway, I've been elected speaker for the
group. Being visible gives me an advantage in that regard."
"Ok, I'm listening."
"As I was saying, some of your shadows are growing at an
impressive rate. Reaching into all corners of the organization.
Unfortunately, many of your business colleagues are not so
appreciative of the cool shade that you provide. In fact, some are
intent on escaping it."
"Oh, I had no idea. That can't be good."
"Not at all. To restore their share of the 'light', they
will attempt to go around you, or take you down, or worse, poke holes
in you. Figuratively, of course, but still ..."
"But I'm just working hard. I'm really good at it."
"Maybe so, but we can only tell you what we are seeing and
hearing."
"What am I supposed to do? I deserve the promotion."
"Be aware of your shadows. Watch that
nothing evil lurks there. Step out of that spotlight once in a while
and let others enjoy it. Even better, let it shine through.
Transparency is tricky, but it can be mastered."
"I can try that. Thanks for the advice."
"You can learn much from your shadows. They can tell you more
about yourself than your own reflection."
"I'll let him know you said that when I shave tomorrow
morning."
"I'm sure it will be a scintillating conversation. Oh, and
read some Murakami novels. He understands us better than anyone."
"Got it. Hey! Where did that cloud come from?"
"..."
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