Water's Reflection or Hero's Guilt

Chapter Twenty-Two

          That night, June was restless. However she tried, she had a hard time falling asleep. And whenever she did, she seemed unable to stay that way long. The nightmares that had plagued her the past days had not yet left, and caused her to wake up time and time again, panting, bathed in sweat. Her dreams ranged from the frightful anguish she experienced in the Bigwoods to images of the Hell Mr. Evangely had prepared for Terrance. Frozen in that cold and bare place, she could not but stare at the demonic image in front of her. And every time she woke up, she cursed her dreams and herself—but most of all, she cursed the transformation that was slowly taking place in her body, for she was way too hot lying in bed, the fur and layers of clothing trapping the warm air. She was sure Maya already noticed the advancing hairline on her body, but she still did not want to talk about it, so kept on her nightgown, to hide it from view somewhat.

          When June woke up from another nightmarish experience, she sat upright and rubbed her eyes, hoping to get the images out of her head. Blake had burned before being swallowed by the pure white light from the locket. She had heard him scream in pain...

          “S-Something is wrong.”

          June looked up, surprised by her own voice. She had not said a word though, so that must mean... “Great,” she muttered. “I'm still sleeping...”

          She glanced around to find the best reflective surface, and settled again on the window. The dark world behind it caused for June to see herself in it. As she expected, her reflection did not mirror her motions—at least, not completely. When June raised her hand to try it, and she waved, her reflection followed. But it did not mimic her facial expressions, and did not look back at her with the same tired annoyance. Instead, she looked back with fear.

          “You think this is a dream?” she asked.

          “I know it isn't real,” June replied simply. She could not be bothered with games or plays with words right now—she was tired and just wanted to get a good night's sleep. “You cannot be real. Mirrors don't move. Sarah, you are just my imagination...”

          “I-I am your...” the reflection slowly repeated, but she suddenly convulsed. A shock passed through her body and her muscles spasmed. “Something is wrong,”

          “I know,” June said. “But it's just a dream.”

          “It's not a dream! I'm... I-I am...” Her hand reached for June, but a second shock went through, interrupting her. This time, however, June felt it too. It was powerful, a sharp pain that came from within her, passed through her, and caused her to nearly lose her balance. The pain disappeared as quickly as it had come.

          June gasped for air and pressed her hands against her stomach; the pain had come from there, it seemed. “W-What was that?”

          “Something is wrong,” her reflection said once more, also holding her belly.

          “What do you mean? I-Is this...?”

          She saw Sarah nod; yes, it was. Whatever was happening to her—to them—it had to do with the curse. She nearly stumbled over when the next shock of pain went through her.