The Mirror’s Image
A speculative microfiction story about the truth found in reflections
This story was inspired by a self-made prompt to write something that used the word “mirror” in it. I also wanted to try out using the second person for the first time since it seemed especially fitting.
The silver strands of her hair ripples like fractal waves in the glass reflection. She is light, airy, mesmerizing. You search for any sign of her face, but you find nothing.
It’s as though she doesn’t want to be seen. Or perhaps…she doesn’t know how to be. Her form is clear to you though. Pale, translucent skin. Long, elegant fingers. The cascading hair that draws you in.
Her lavender dress shimmers even in the obstructing darkness. You yearn to see the windows into her soul, to feel her presence is truly there.
And yet, you know deep within yourself that this is impossible. What she feels, what she thinks, and what she wants is just out of reach. For you, and for her.
You realize that your cheeks are wet. There is no more denying it. Wiping the falling tears, you are finally able to accept the truth.
She is no one. A shell, a projection. She does not—cannot—exist, no matter how much you may want her to. As you reach out towards her, she turns her back on you.
She knows who you really are.
Staring at the mirror’s image, you now know that you were the one who abandoned her.
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If you enjoyed this speculative story, check out my other ones:
Coral--this is a beautifully written, evocative little piece. You hit the right Gothic notes here in a confined space: there's sadness, longing, loss, and the definite presence of some tragedy--and obviously a mourner conscious of a terrible, yet undefined lapse in judgement, or a moment of weakness, which led to the tragic event. The ultimate result is some eternal, endless wandering, or restlessness, devoid of solace. An excellent piece of work.
This make me think about a woman waiting for her lover all eternity, wandering for all the hallways of a old Victorian house. Magnificent tale, Coral. Is always a pleasure put my eyes and my thoughts in to your words, in to your world. 🖤