Erosion of the Field of Vision

After he saw the monsters perched on everyone’s shoulders, the world bared its fangs at him. Documentary photographer Shen Chuan has always believed that the camera is the only truth. That is, until he saw something extra on everyone’s shoulders in his photographs: rotting squirrels, twisted vines, tiny human figures weeping in agony... They are called “symbiotes.” Then, when he stepped out onto the street, he discovered in terror that he could see them with his naked eyes. More terrifying still, the “symbiotes” that had once turned their backs to him began to slowly, one by one... turn their heads and look at him, the observer. [Rule One: Do not stare for too long.] [Rule Two: Do not describe them to those who cannot see them.] [Rule Three: When you feel that it has noticed you, the corruption has already begun.] When Dr. Chen, his psychiatrist, revealed that he was a “Tuner,” and the weeping little figure on his girlfriend Lin Wei’s shoulder began to move in sync with her, yet in reverse... Shen Chuan stood behind his camera and faced the ultimate truth through the viewfinder: Fear is nothing more than the world’s truest form, revealed when it takes off its disguise.