The Shadow in the Corner - By Asha Ines Zahari Affendi

Written By: Asha Ines Zahari Affendi

Category: Flash Fiction (281 words)

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Introducing "The Shadow in the Corner" by Asha Ines Zahari Affendi, a captivating piece of flash fiction featured in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This evocative story delves into the concept of presence and absence, exploring themes of haunting shadows and the psychological impact they can have. Asha's work invites readers into a space where reality and perception blur, crafting a lingering narrative that captivates and provokes thought.

About the Work

Asha Ines Zahari Affendi's "The Shadow in the Corner" is a masterful exploration of psychological tension and the pervasive nature of unseen forces. Through vivid imagery and a haunting narrative style, the piece captures the essence of a shadow that transcends physical space, becoming a metaphorical presence in the narrator's life. The story's mood is both introspective and eerie, leaving a lasting impression of unease and contemplation.

The Shadow in the Corner

Original Submission by Asha Ines Zahari Affendi

The Shadow in the Corner

There is a shadow in the corner of my room.

I see it every time I switch off the lights to go to bed and it stays, observing me, long after dawn settles over the hidden crevices of my furniture. I can picture it even with my eyes closed, hanging just outside my field of vision, a constant companion. A footnote on every page and chapter of my life.

It used to bother me, used to push me into endless nights of sleeplessness as I watched it grow and grow and grow, encroaching onto the spaces daylight would usually bless. Spaces that would slowly darken as its colours were corrupted and turned a mottled medley of greys and muted blues. Then the sun would come and the shadow would recede once more into its designated corner, out of sight but never out of mind.

There is a shadow in the corner of my room.

Four in.

It follows me around when I eat and drink, or shower, or watch TV. Sometimes, the sunlight or the company of others make me forget the dark smudge on my walls but, eventually, I’ll catch sight of that shapeless emptiness and it becomes impossible to ignore again.

Hold.

My laugh hollows and my voice dies in my throat as my mind is ejected from my body and I become too aware of eyes that aren’t on me and, all of a sudden, I need space from the very activity that used to bring me so much light and colour.

Four out.

There is a shadow in the corner of my room.

And, one day – “Keep going.” – it might grow large enough to swallow me whole.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a distinguished platform celebrating the artistry of poets and writers worldwide. This prestigious competition showcases diverse voices and unique storytelling, offering participants the opportunity to share their creative expressions with a global audience. It serves as a testament to Hashtag Kalakar's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a vibrant literary community.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Asha Ines Zahari Affendi for her participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her piece, "The Shadow in the Corner," offers a profound glimpse into the human psyche and the shadows that linger in our lives. We appreciate her contribution and look forward to more of her thought-provoking work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.