Mirrors Don't Lie About Who You are On the Inside

3

"A body has been discovered . . ." Alyssa shut off the TV, glaring at Nexus. Nexus shrunk back into the corner even more than they already were.

"Nexus. What. The. Heck."

"Nexus only wished to help Alyssa. Only wished to help . . ." Nexus whimpered, shying away from Alyssa who looked ashen. Alyssa grabbed a pocket knife from her drawer, moving even closer to Nexus. Nexus moved away, a pale hand shaking so much it was vibrating as they reached out to Alyssa.

"No, please, no. Alyssa no harm Nexus. Nexus was protecting Alyssa! No harm Nexus!" Alyssa ignored Nexus's screams as she dug the knife into them. Nexus vanished into dust, leaving Alyssa pleased with herself. A laugh began to bubble in her throat, gradually getting louder and more crazed. It stopped abruptly as she watched in horror as her skin became more ashen and her hair became white. Alyssa tried to scream, but it was caught inside. She gripped the throat, trying to breathe again. Her vision went white and her skin burned. Alyssa screamed, vaguely seeing her family rush into her room.

"Mum, I - I don't feel great. . . " Alyssa whimpered out, clutching her head.

"Alyssa . . . Alyssa . . . my baby . . ." Alyssa looked up at her mom, who was cradling ... Alyssa.

"Mum?" Alyssa reached out an ashen hand to her mother, trying to grasp her shoulder. Her hand went through. She recoiled in terror, looking at her floor-length mirror.

"Nexus?" She walked toward the mirror reaching out her hands. They fell through. They looked back through the mirror, banging on it. Trying to get out. They paused.

"Nexusssss, my love, welcome home. Your firssssssst possssessssion went well my child. Give me her energy." They found their hands moving to a sticky, black cord around their neck with a glowing orange bead and giving it to the other.

"Wonderful job Nexussssss." The other ate the bead and cord, glowing orange for a second, then beginning to slither away.

"Wait, who are you?"

"Your mother."

"And who am I?"

"Everyone and no one. Mirrors don't lie." They sunk to the ground, crying tears of glass.