Above the Vaulted Sky

Ten

One night, after studying, I washed my face and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My freckles had faded. My thin face looked fragile. My skin was pale and no amount of sleep faded the dark circles under my eyes. My hair was long, black, and hadn't been cut in years.

Before I could help it, a grin spread across my lips. Then laughter bubbled out, and I found myself laughing hysterically into the sink. I heard footsteps running up the stairs and there were rapid knocks on the door before it flew open.

"What's going on?!" my mother asked with the same urgency as always.

"Look, Mom," I said through my giggles, pointing at the mirror. "I'm a fucking banshee!" Then I cracked up again, my sides aching with laughter. My mother watched me laugh until my laughter turned to tears, then to sobs.