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The steam rose around me and wrapped my body in its warmth. Hot water massaged my head as I ran my fingers through my hair to strip it of soap. I closed my eyes and leaned back into the stream of clean water, bubbles running down my face and neck.
I gave a satisfied sigh and twisted the shower knob off, standing there for just a moment longer to relish the peacefulness. Reaching my hand passed the curtain, I gripped the thick towel and brought it into the warmth of my sanctuary. After breathing in the water vapor for just a moment, I pulled the curtain open and stepped over the tub, onto the plush bath mat. I wrapped the towel tightly around me and tucked the end under my arm.
I stopped in front of the mirror, running my hands through my wet hair, fingers catching the tangles. I looked up and my blood ran cold. A single handprint sat in the corner of my mirror. Backing away, my breath caught as the fingers dragged themselves through the moisture on the mirror. They stopped.
Leaning forward, I looked carefully at the prints. They were already beginning to fog up again. I grabbed my bathrobe and wrapped it tightly around me, dropping the towel at my feet. I tied the cord tightly at my waist, watching the prints. My blood felt thick in my body, circulating sluggishly from my heart to my toes.
Slowly, I reached my hand out to place my palm on the print. The mirror was warm and water dripped down it. I got closer, pressing my hand tighter.
The fingers wrapped around my hand. I gasped and tried to pull away. The hand gripped tighter and pulled me closer. My feet left the floor as my flailing body was dragged over the sink. And through the mirror. "Help me!" I screamed, hoping one of my neighbors could hear me.
Another hand burst through the mirror, snatching my other arm. In a quick motion, I was pulled into the mirror, shins scraping against the veneer of my counter. I toppled in, falling on top of myself and another body.
Pushing myself up, I stared into the face of another woman, whose hair was also damp and wrapped stringy around her face.
"Who are you?" I breathed.
The woman clambered to her feet and ran. Out the bathroom door. I stood and looked around the familiar bathroom. The same sign that read, 'Soap - 5 cents' that hung over my towels was present, though this one was printed, 'stnec 5 - paoS.'
"Wait!" I called, running through the door. The woman came out of nowhere and jumped up onto my back.
"Please!" I cried, falling to the side. She gripped my hair and shoved it down my throat. Choking and gagging, I plunged my thumbs into her eyes. As she screamed, I felt hot pain explode in my corneas. I let go and fell backward, scurrying away from her. "What are you?" I said with a groan. My vision faded back and I saw her across her me, chest heaving.
