Mirror

12 to 1

Mirror, mirror.

Oh, stop it, Ayana. I am not in that kind of mirror and you know it.

Come now, Anaya. Can’t we have a little fun?

Fun would be you setting me free. You belong here Ayana, not me.

Pish posh Anaya. I didn't force you here. Your curiosity brought you to this room. I didn't force you there. You wanted to see what was in the mirror. I helped you achieve your dreams.

Dreams? dreams! This is a nightmare, Ayana. This is why you wanted out. You tricked me, Ayana.

I. Tricked. You. No, Anaya. You tricked yourself. You were told to stay out of this room. Yet, here you are. Now, I want a look around. I will see you later, maybe.

Ayana, you cannot go out. This is a small town. No one is awake at this time of night.

Well, Anaya, we shall see or should I say, I shall see?

Ayana. Ayana! She left. She really left. What am I going to do?

Hello Anaya.

Scream. Who are you?

Wait, wait before I answer that. Did you just say the word scream in place of screaming?

I mean, yeah. Look, I'm having a difficult time. My natural reactions are a little off. Now answer my question. Who are you and how did you get in here?

I'm Roan. I have always been here.

Why haven't I seen you before, Roan?

You didn't need to meet me.

Why are you here now?

You are in my world. More importantly, Anaya, how are going to convince Ayana to return?

I haven't figured that out yet.

Well, that needs to be your primary focus. You, my dear, are on a time limit.

What are you talking about Roan?

Have you ever come to this room during the daytime? Of course, you did. Yet you never questioned not being able to speak to Ayana? You never questioned why the mirror had your reflection? For someone so smart, you are not.

Listen, Roan, you don't know me

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Listen, Anaya, what I do know is that you are here and Ayana is not.

You have until three am to convince Ayana to return. If you don’t, you will be stuck here.

How am I supposed to get Ayana back in here? She's taken off.

Don't worry little one. Ayana will return.

How do you know? She may never come back. I know I wouldn't. There is nothing here to return to. This place is gloomy. It's dark. The only light is from the other side of the mirror. She is probably out there having the time of her life

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And that, my dear, is where you are wrong. My world, this world is as little or as much as your mind's eye can imagine. Currently, you are not seeing anything but sorrow. Perk up, things are not all that bad.

Says you. You're used to this. I don't want to get used to this. I just want to go to my room. There has to be something that you can do. Are you able to summon Ayana? What are you to her anyway?

No, I cannot summon her and what I am to her is not relevant to you at this time. Whatever happens with Ayana is in your hands. Anaya, time is counting down. You need to calm yourself and think. How did she get you here?

She told me this world was incredible. That anything I can dream up could be mine. That's it, right? I have to entice her the way she did me. Ok, ok, oh, boy this is going to be difficult. Roan? Roan? Where did he go? Great. Just great. Ayana. She's back.

Anaya. Where are you? Are you still angry with me? If it helps any, you were right about no one being out. I walked around for quite some time. I did not see a single soul. Anaya. What are you up to in there? Anaya, I know you can hear me. Anaya! Fine, I'm leaving.

You did well Anaya.

Scream!

Anaya, again with saying scream.

Roan, you scared me. You disappeared right before Ayana entered the room. You reappear after she leaves.

As I said, you did well. You have intrigued Ayana. Now you need to expand on that emotion. I will return later to check on your progress.

Progress. What progress? Ayana did ask what I was doing. Does that mean I can do things in here? Only one way to find out. Okay, how about, hocus pocus? No, I need to say more with it. Alakazam! No, not that either. Maybe if I concentrate on one thought. Candle. Candle. Candle?

Okay, Anaya, slow down and think. Focus on uhm, okay, lamp light. The same light in the room. Yeah, okay, see the light. Be the light. Feel the light. Come on light. Let there be light.

Anaya, do not scream, and do not move. Open your eyes slowly. Keep concentrating on the light.

I did it. Roan, I did it. How did I do it? This is amazing. What do I do now? This would be extra awesome if I could do it on the other side of the mirror. Roan, how can I use this within the mirror? I mean, I can't lasso Ayana and pull her in right?

Ayana's return must be voluntary. I do believe that you are on the correct path. Now, show me more. Focus on another object. I know, rain. Think about it falling from above. The sounds it makes. The way it feels on your skin.

It's raining. Roan, I'm making it rain. This is just amazing. Why would anyone want to leave here when this can be created? Roan, can Ayana do this, or you?

No, we cannot do what you are doing. Very few people can. You are very special, Anaya. Keep practicing, I have to return to the work I was doing before I saw your light.

1 to 2

Anaya, I'm back. Where are you? Are we playing this game once again? Well then, I will tell you what I've been up to. I met your grandmother and she is lovely. I was on my way out the door when a voice stopped me. She wanted to know where I was going at this time of the morning. Grandmother said young ladies should not be out during the witching hours. I asked what she was doing up and about. Get this, she wanted tea to relax.

We chatted all this while. Grandmother has some wonderful stories. You really should have listened to her more. You might have gained some knowledge. Like, how not to get caught in a mirror. Oh look, there you are. Did I strike a nerve? Are you done hiding from me? After all, I thought we were friends. Black cat got your tongue?

No, Ayana, I was just wondering why you keep returning. You left the house once. Why are you back? You met my grandmother. I am assuming she returned to bed. You had the opportunity to leave again. Yet, here you are. Trying to antagonize me. Help me understand Ayana. You have what you want. You're out of the mirror. Why are you still here?

Are you trying to get rid of me, Anaya? What have you been up to? At first, you were begging to go in the mirror. Then begging to get out. Now, begging me to leave. You will tell me what you have been doing or I may pay grandmother an unpleasant visit.

I met Roan. We have spoken a few times. He has been kind to me. He's very handsome. I asked him about you. He seemed indifferent. Is Roan the reason you keep coming back?

Roan is none of your concern. It would be in your best interest to stay away from him. I would not want an unsavory event to occur.

What event would that be Ayana? Are you threatening Anaya? After what you've done to her. I'm curious Ayana. What more can you do to the poor girl?

Roan, she can harm my grandmother. Ayana was telling me all about their conversation before coming back here.

Roan, you two seem to be quite fond of one another. Anaya, have you ever wondered why Roan didn't stop you from entering the mirror? He was here during some of our meetings. He could have intervened at any time. Yet, he chose not to. Roan, why haven't you told her why you did nothing?

You're too late, Ayana. Anaya and I have spoken about the choices she has made that ended her up here. She understands this was her decision. Nice try though. You've had your fun. Are you ready to come back?

Is that your way of saying you miss me, Roan? So sweet, but no. I'm not returning. However, I would like to continue my conversation with Anaya. If you would please excuse us, Roan.

Actually, I would like to have a private conversation with you, Ayana. Anaya if you would please excuse us. I will find you when this is done.

The two of you are excused, but where precisely do you think I should go, Roan? It is not like I can follow the yellow brick road. Look around us, there is nothingness. You want me to take a walk in the dark forest without the forest. I mean, I am not scared of the dark, but come on. Oh, I have an idea, Ayana, you come inside the mirror and I will give you both all the privacy you want.

Anaya, please, this is important. I will come to find you once Ayana and I have spoken.

Fine, Roan, but if this is another trick. I promise to find some kind of way to haunt the two of you. He will find me he says, Like he can GPS my coordinates.

Ayana, my love, how are you doing? Are you feeling alright? Do you need a moment to step inside?

Her grandmother is here? What is she like? What about her mother or father?

Roan, my heart, slow down and I will answer all of your questions. Firstly, I do need a moment inside. Thank you, I feel better and I'm doing okay. Yes, I did meet Anaya's grandmother. Her name is Leah. She is quite the spitfire, but also a sweetheart. Leah has three children. The oldest is a girl, then two boys. Anaya's father Isaiah is Leah’s middle child. Anaya is the oldest of four girls. Leah is very involved with her children and their families. She knew I was not Anaya. I had to explain to her who I was, and who we were. Leah seemed to be understanding of Anaya's predicament. How is she doing Roan? Is she the one we have been waiting for?

I do believe so, my love. Anaya has the gift and it’s strong. Right now Anaya thinks she can only manifest within the mirror. She has brought forth light on her first try. She has also made it rain. Her determination to leave the mirror is enhancing her gift.

Oh, Roan, I am incredibly happy to hear that. Especially since we are short on time. We have just one hour left. Do you think she will be ready?

I hope so my love. For us, time will tell. I want you to come back in thirty minutes and bring Leah with you. Anaya may be angry with us and not willing to listen. Leah can help us talk to her. I also don't want you gone longer than that.

After all this time, Roan, our lives could change in thirty minutes. I am excited and scared that this may work or that it may not. Either way, we will always be together. I will see you in Thirty minutes.

Thirty minutes my love.

2 to 3

You've been working on your light, Anaya. I was able to follow it to you. The light is a nice reprieve from the darkness. Have you had the opportunity to work on anything else? I would very much like to see if you have. Anaya, Anaya are you listening to me? I apologize if I took too long with Ayana, but I do have some news for you. Anaya, I wasn't gone long enough for this attitude. Anaya.

Yes, Roan, why are you yelling? Oh, you met my doppelganger, sweet huh? I was bored waiting on your long short chitchat with Ayana and decided I needed company. Roan meet Me. Me meet Roan. Now what was all the yelling about? Uhm, Roan, why are you hugging me and crying? I’m not sure what to do in this situation. Oh, geez, please don't get snot on me. Alright how about this, twinkle twinkle little star.

Really, Anaya, I get a little emotional and you start singing a nursery rhyme. I was overwhelmed with what you've accomplished. Can you show me how you did this? Outstanding, Anaya, can you try to do that using me?

Sure, I can try. Just no more male tears. Let me take a break. While reenergizing, you can tell me why you were yelling at doppelganger Me.

Oh, yes, Ayana will be returning to the room in fifteen minutes. We have some information for you. Ayana will also be bringing your grandmother, but don't worry. Your grandmother will be there to support you. If possible, do you think that you could try again? We can leave afterward.

Okay, I'm ready. I'm going to put my hands in front of your chest. Concentrate.

Anaya? Anaya! You passed out. Here sit up slowly. Collect your thoughts. I caught you before you hit the ground. Are you okay? Anaya, you did it. You must have used every ounce of your energy, but you did it little one. When you're ready, we can go.

We can go, Roan.

We are short on time, therefore, I will start explaining now. I was married with a child on the way and working as a builder. The owner was contracted by a wealthy family to build a beautiful home just outside of the town. The wealthy family had a daughter and she took a liking to me. I explained multiple times that I was happily married, but that didn't deter her. Eventually, I quit to get away from her. Then one night the daughter came to our home. She propositioned me again, which I turned down. This made her angry. She changed into something I had never seen before. The next thing I knew, I was in the mirror. She said I would stay here until my wife left or grew old and then she would come for me. She was burned at the stake two months later. Ayana, my love, you can take it from here.

Yes, my heart, I was in our room when this happened. I came out to see her casting the spell that locked him in the mirror. When she was done, she just turned and walked out. I ran over to the mirror and there Roan was. I cried for days, we had no idea what to do. Eventually, I wrote to my family and told them I was coming home. Once there I explained and showed them the mirror. My mother went to a shaman. He told her Roan could be set free, that there would be a gift in our bloodline. After our baby was born, I accidentally found that I could enter the mirror. For the next three years my days were spent caring for our daughter and my nights with my husband. My mother noticed I was not aging properly and suggested I stop going in with Roan. I just couldn't. I had an older sister who didn't have children. I sent our little girl to her with a family gift, this mirror. We have been passed down through our family for five centuries. Anaya, you are our sixth-generation granddaughter.

Roan and I have tested each new generation to see if they have the gift. You are the first. You could see me and talk to me. I am sorry for tricking you. I never had any intention of hurting you. Please step out of the mirror.

Okay, I'm out. Now what?

Anaya, you are a sorceress. The things you did here in the mirror with me, you can do them outside of the mirror as well. You manifested a doppelganger. You were in two places at once.

Is that why you wanted me to try it on you, Roan? You want me to doppelganger you out of the mirror.

What happens if it does not work?

Anaya, I will return to the mirror to be with Roan. If I stay out too long, I start to age naturally. I refuse to live without him.

Wow you two, talking about putting on the pressure. Alright, let's give this a try. I will repeat what we did last time. Ready, concentrate.

Hours later

What's going on? Why is it so dark? Hello, is anyone here? Why am I in the mirror? Hey, can anybody hear me? Deep breaths, no panicking. Think Anaya, midnight, I have to wait until midnight. Okay, for now, I need some light.

Hello Anaya, you appear to be confused. I can only imagine seeing me has added to your confusion. Firstly, let me start by introducing myself. My name is Caterina and I am the reason Roan was in there. I am also the reason you are in there. I know you must have questions, but they aren't necessary. The only thing you need to know is that you will never leave this mirror. Goodbye Anaya.

You're finally awake. Are you alright Anaya? You look terrified. Here drink some water.

Ayana, Roan, Grammy, we are destroying that mirror right now.