The changes began subtly.
Aarav could hear things no one else could.
Not voices exactly.
More like emotional echoes.
A teacher hiding shame.
A shopkeeper drowning in regret.
A mother smiling while suppressing despair.
Their shadows flickered around them.
Weak.
Loose.
Vulnerable.
And Aarav's shadow stretched toward them on its own.
He started avoiding people.
But hunger doesn't disappear just because you close your eyes.
It waits.