The Girl Who Dreams

01 The Girl in the Mirror

My family and I recently moved into a new neighborhood. It was a small town a few hours away from where we lived before.

I can't help but let out a small sigh.

It's the fifth move that we made this year. I even made a bet with my friend that within three months we'd be on the move again.

Yet I don't blame my family. It must be tough for dad to adjust to a new job again. Sometimes I wish there was a way I could help him.

Hey sweetie, could you please help mommy?

In a snap, I was back to reality. I gave her a reassuring smile.

After unpacking most of the boxes I began to explore the house. It looked pretty run down on the outside, but it looked modern on the inside. The previous owners had moved to another country. They left most of their belongings in the house.

And that's when I saw it.

An old mirror in the hallway. Of all the things they could've left behind, it had to be a creepy-looking mirror. And to make things worse, it was right next to the bathroom. Exactly what I need.

Soon it was nighttime already. A few hours later I had the sudden urge to use the bathroom. I tried my best to keep it in but to no avail. Alas, I had to use the bathroom.

I pretended to look in the other direction. I swear if I see any figure moving inside that mirror, I'm going to hold my pee until morning.

But of course, curiosity got the best of me so I had to take a peek.

Wrong move.

At first, I only saw my own reflection. Then a girl appeared out of the blue. My instincts told me to run, but my curiosity wanted me to stay.

The girl remained silent. Her eyes met mine. She seemed to watch my every move. I was pretty much frozen in place.

Finally, the girl in the mirror spoke.

Hi.

I wasn't sure how to respond so I replied with a smile.

The girl remained silent.

Was there something wrong with what I said? Did I offend her in any way? Is she going to come out of the mirror and attack me?

Come closer.

Oh hell no. I've seen too many horror movies. But being the curious cat that I am, of course, I had to follow her orders.

Be my friend? Her low raspy voice echoed across the hall.

What the hell am I even doing? I should be back in my room sleeping. But instead I'm here trying to make a conversation with an entity inside a mirror.

My name's Katie. And you are?

Okay. This is insane. I have to leave now.

Then as if on cue, the lights on the hallway turned on. It was my dad, who woke up from his slumber. He was still half asleep. I'm not even sure if he noticed me.

Katie? Why are you still up?

I had to pee? I lied. It's obvious I can't tell him that I've been trying to make friends with the unknown entity inside the mirror. He's going to think I'm insane.

C'mon kiddo. Go back to sleep. We have a long week ahead of us.

Okay, dad. Sorry if I woke you up. Goodnight, I love you.

Yeah, I didn't go to sleep. I ran back to the mirror to see if the girl was still there. But alas, the only reflection staring back at me was my own.

Silly me. Of course, there was no one there.

Guess it's time for me to go to sleep and by the next morning, I would've forgotten all about this.

----

I had a hard time waking up later that day. My eyes felt exceptionally heavy. I even had to force myself out of bed.

To my surprise, the entire house was empty.

Strange, maybe mom and dad left the house early? Mom did mention the other day that she had to meet with her clients.

I walked past the mirror again. It was all normal at first until I started to notice something.

My mom and dad were in the mirror.

And guess who was with them?

The girl.

Panic began to set in. Did she capture my parents? How am I supposed to save them?

But wait a minute.

They don't seem to be in any danger at all. Everything seemed to be normal.

The girl began to stare at me. It sends shivers down my spine, and not in a good way.

Mom, could you please pass me the syrup?

Sure, Katie. What else do you need?

Wait. Did she just call her Katie?

Then that would mean only one thing.

I'm now the girl in the mirror. And there's no way out for me.