The Shattered Mirror and Other Scary Stories

The Shattered Mirror

I slowly open my eyes, regretting my decision to come here. I look over to see Mom sleeping peacefully, a gentle smile brushing her features. I carefully rise, trying to escape even the slightest creak. Somewhere, I hear a distant dog bark, almost calling the small town to consciousness. I slip silently into the bathroom to shower and prepare myself for the dreaded day ahead. I turn on the ancient shower, hoping at some point warm water will spew through. As I wait for the water to warm, I stare at my starkly colored eyes, wishing not to have to come here. If only I wasn't so different. Mom and Dad always say I'm just perfect exactly the way I am. If so, then why did they propose me coming here in the first place? Why did they think about letting me go? Recently I saw Mom looking at me with a new expression. I think it's because for a while she convinced herself it was all a dream, that someday she would wake up to her perfectly normal daughter. Now I think she realizes this is just how I am. I stare into my own blood-red eyes, wishing for a better day than I'm anticipating. I gently put my hand under the water, and sigh at the warm embrace I encounter. I shower slowly, trying to prolong this peaceful moment. When I'm done, I slowly step out, drying as deliberately as I showered. I look over to the mirror, and see the tragedy of such a wonderful artifact. The mirror is in shards, flung everywhere across the room. It seems as though my day has begun.