A moment for Reflection by Mikaela Miyamoto

Mikaela is writing a bunch of short stories for 13 Days 13 Shorts this year! To check out more stuff from Mikaela, visit www.mikaelamiyamoto.com

A moment for Reflection

On the 21st of December my family celebrates the winter solstice in our own special way.  First, we cover every reflective surface in a sheer black cloth. Then we make sure all the doors and windows are shut tight. We light candles around the house and while the sun is still rising, cook a large meal that will last us the rest of the day. We don’t turn on any electronics after the meal is cooked. No phones, no TVs, no lights, nothing. In case of an emergency, my grandmother has a house phone that we leave on and available but we don’t use it unless we have to. We spend the day going through photo albums and reminiscing on old memories and stories from past family members. We read books that have been handed down for generations and we spend time just enjoying each other’s company without the interruption of the outside world. At the end of the evening we each take a long bath with hot water and yuzu from my grandmother’s garden. It’s supposed to cleanse us of any negativity to get us ready for the new season and give us time to reflect. Last year, I forgot to cover up the mirror in the bathroom when I went to use it in the morning. It was a terrifying mistake. I was taking a quick shower when I heard a tapping noise. I called out “yes?” a few times thinking someone was knocking at the door. I didn’t hear a response so I continued with my shower. I still heard tapping so I quickly finished up my shower, wrapped a towel around myself, and opened the door. But no one was there. Shaking it off I closed the door to dry off and do my morning skincare. I started to hear what sounded like whispering. I would freeze whenever I heard it, trying my hardest to make out the words. Was it coming from the room next door? I quickly put my ear to what I thought was the wall but was met with the stinging cold of the mirror. Before I pulled away I heard a loud and clear “Hey!” Startled, I turned to look towards the mirror. I was met with my own reflection staring back at me. At least I thought it was my reflection until she began to speak. “Oh good, you’ve noticed! I have to be quick before anyone else finds out!” Frozen in fear I silently listened. “You need to get out of here. You don’t belong here. And the longer you stay, the harder it will be to leave. Until you’re trapped forever! Don’t listen to the others, they’re not like you. And whatever you do don’t-“ BOOM, BOOM, BOOM. A pounding on the door shook me from the moment as my head whipped towards the sound. I turned back to my reflection, she put a finger to her lips and then waved goodbye before disappearing. What was left wasn’t my own reflection looking back. There was just nothing. Terrified, I opened up the door. It was my grandmother. Holding back tears I explained the encounter I’d just had. She looked past me to see the uncovered mirror then reached into a drawer to pull out some sheer fabric to cover it up. She tsked then said, “There is a reason for everything we do here. The mirrors, they lie. The trees will too. Even your own mind may lie to you.” She gently placed a hand on my shoulder and met my eyes before saying, “Don’t worry. We will keep you safe here. Do not listen to the others. They only wish you harm. Our family is safe here. Now, come. We have a meal to prepare before the sun rises too high.” She left, knowing I would follow. But before I did, I cautiously lifted up a corner of the veil to look into the mirror. My reflection was still missing.