Mirror

Terr

As September drew to a close I began to feel like the universe was giving me a chance to catch up. Life fell into routine on both Earth and Mirror. I was able to keep up with homework and chat casually with the people at the market who were also my neighbors in Cantery. The shadow on Mirror that Danny had warned me of didn't show its face or cause any trouble. I didn't see Tyreek anywhere, though I certainly tried very hard to make sure that was the case. I never stayed after school and glanced around every corner, into every room and stairwell, before feeling safe enough to move forward. I wore long sleeves- even though the weather still indicated summer attire would be more appropriate-in order to hide the burns on my wrist. I had already taken to wearing a fingerless glove on my right hand- pretending to have taken an interest in an edgier style- in order to cover the amulet's brand. I did not hear from Terr. I did look for him because I was convinced he had the Earth Transportation charm.

Kya and I never talked about that night. Her memory was bound to be a bit fuzzy, but one doesn't just forget a kidnapping. My saving grace was that she didn't question me and I assumed that was because she didn't have enough information to draw connections between our kidnappers and myself. She may very well have decided it was a freak occurrence.

Despite the lag in life-altering events, I had two ever present reminders that, at least for while, my life was anything but average. The first was the brand on my hand that burned with intense heat as I entered the space between Earth and Mirror where I seemed to go just as I was falling asleep. The other was Kylee who sometimes stopped by Danny's house to ask how the preparations for our journey to search for the charms were coming along. The first time she came by, Danny had smiled such a smile as to make the hairs on the back of my neck rise and told her to leave in such a sickly sweet tone that I had immediately invited her in for tea so as not to create tension between us all. Each time following that first visit, I would send Danny to make the tea so I could greet her at the door. Before she ever had the chance to ask, I assured her the preparations were coming along fine and we would be ready to leave shortly. That pattern continued for the better part of the month.

I knew Danny meant well. He was protecting me and wanted me to rest. He wanted to things to be easy for me. On the other hand it bothered me at times that he didn't seem to want to go at all.

October began and fall began to show her colors. I had begun to worry about Terr. When I had last seen him, I had promised to help him find a way home. I couldn't do that until I found him. Danny and I were attempting for about the twelfth time to locate the metal recycling facility where I had first met him when I finally decided the only option left was to talk to Kya about it. That wasn't a decision I made lightly.

From the far side of Epitome fields where the long grasses gave way to railroad tracks and more barren soil I sat down and called her. Danny sat next to me and rested a hand on my shoulder for support.

Over the phone I urged Kya to tell me everything she remembered about Terr from that night almost a month prior. I told her that I was going to make a police report.

After a long pause Kya breathed shakily into the phone. "Do you want me to come to the station with you."

I shook my head vigorously even though she couldn't see it. "No, I just want to put in the report about his appearance and last sighting. Then I just want to put it behind me."