It was my mission. I had to find the mirror before anyone else did. It wasn't a unique situation, as many were sent to find abandoned objects. What I didn't understand was why Daniel kept shooting me anxious glances. I had been partnered with him and we hardly ever talked, perfecting to focus on the mission and be done as soon as possible. He couldn't be worried for me, could he?
"What's the look for?"
He was surprised at my voice. I was a bit surprised myself for actually asking him.
"Nothing."
A short pause.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
"I'd do anything to help the world."
He looked at me with the saddest eyes I'd ever seen. I never considered he'd actually have emotions, much less express them openly.
"Are you ok?"
"Just promise you'll remember me."
I whipped my head around to him. My mouth open in shock. Why would I need to remember him? He looked about a hundred years older before his face turned back to the stony expression he normally wore, which I now realized was always a facade.
"Why wouldn't I?"
Time seemed to hang on the second as we were lost in space. His eyes revealing more that I'd ever seen.
"Just promise me."
"I promise."
He took my hand and led me to the entrance to the room.
"The missions almost over."
"Yeah."
"You nervous."
"I never thought it would end."
"Believe it or not, I'll miss you."
His voice broke on the last word and I looked toward the boy made of stone and hot iron. I squeezed the hand I was holding and took his other looking into his eyes.
"Me too."
With one last smile he stood guard after ushering me into the room to retrieve my prize.
"Anyone there?"
I ask feeling a presence in the room. I scold myself. If something was there why would they answer? I walk backwards taking in a panoramic of the room before I turn around face to face with an old gilded mirror. For a split second I swore I could see my reflection smile? How ridiculous. I steel myself before reaching up and grabbing the mirrors edge.
"No."
I feel myself being thrown forward turning around to see my other self wave before dashing upstairs.
"I'm sorry."
