The Shadow in the Doorway Hook: He opened his eyes—but his body wouldn’t move. And in the doorway, a tall shadow just stood... staring. Story: Tom was 17, healthy, and happy—until one night, he woke up frozen. He could see his bedroom, feel his heart pounding, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t move. That’s when he saw it: a tall, dark figure standing silently in his doorway. This terrifying moment lasted minutes… but felt like forever. Explanation (like you’re 5): Your brain sometimes wakes up before your body does. It’s like being stuck between dreaming and waking. That’s sleep paralysis. CTA: Have you seen a shadow during sleep paralysis? Drop your experience in the comments. Curell Case Files is uncovering what the shadows might really be.