Mirror

Chapter 12

I want answers…the truth

Getting those answers might be the problem, Sarah realized as she drove home.

What if the mirror is closed? What if he’s gone? What if… Dammit she began to argue with herself. The what ifs will drive you mad. Just get home and go from there.

She turned back onto the main highway, squinting at the bright sunlight that poured in.

She focused on the road, not noticing the people in their Sunday best coming and going into the local restaurants for dinner. She missed the puzzled look of Mrs. Annette as she drove past the shop and failed to wave. Sarah’s mind was on one person.

~~*~~

Erik played, his hands hard on the keys before him. His movements were short and abrupt, bringing a dark sound to waver through the thick air of his home. He turned his ear to a dissonant chord, replacing his fingers and retrying the melody.

Yes.

The song continued, his eyes were open but dry, fixed absently on the mirror that stood in the corner.

Sarah. Who are you.

His fingers slowed, he pulled his hands to his thighs as his eyes focused on the glass. It beamed back at him, almost alive as it reflected the gentle lap of the lake. “My friend,” his voice whispered. “You have been silent.”

He stood up, crossing his arms as he approached the glass. His own reflection came into view across the quiet surface. “You have been silent,” he repeated, “and for what?”

His damp palm pressed to the glass, smudging its clarity. “For what.” He reached into his pocket, shaking out a black handkerchief and wiping the glass. “Why now.” His breath came along slow and steady as he waited.

Silence.

He turned, his hands clutched to his forehead as he approached the small boat that sat nearby.

“Silence,” he spit. “And yet you mock me in my dreams.”

I believe the silence was requested, friend.

Erik stepped into the boat, stooping to undo its ties. He picked up the oar of carved wood and pushed the boat from the shore.

“And would you listen,” he sneered. “Or choose this moment to obey me?”

I obey noone.

“Indeed.” He rowed the boat slowly, steering carefully to come alongside the candelabra. “Indeed.” Reaching out, he plucked his mask from where it hung, fitting it on his face as he steered the boat back.

He returned to the mirror, examining the leather that was cut to define his features. He turned one cheek to the glass, then the other. “Nor do I.”

~~*~~

The tires of her Honda gripped the gravel of the drive as she turned for home. Sarah tried to quell the nervousness rising in her as the cabin came into view.

He will not hurt me.

Are you sure of that Sarah? He was quite ready to rape you this morning.

That wasn’t Erik.

Wasn’t it?

She took a deep breath as she parked the car. No…it wasn’t. Last night was Erik. Today was…

Today was what, assault? Sure, go in and get a second helping of that.

She opened the car door. He will not hurt me. I believe that.

You’re crazy…the voice in her head mocked her.

She walked up the steps to the porch, the screen door creaking as she opened it.

Crazy?

Maybe.

“Erik?”