This is the story for last week’s prompt. A full week late. I’m blaming my kids being off for Christmas break, but it probably just was my lacking organizational and prioritization skills.
This story is a little longer than 250 words, ending just over 300. It was first 500 words and I trimmed it down a lot. And I have trimmed it down to 250 in different ways, but it never had the same impact, never told the story I wanted it to tell. So I’m breaking the rules, because it’s my story, and going with the 300-word version. I hope you enjoy the extra 50 words this week!
Content warning: depression, grief, suicide ideation
I’m crying in the shower instead of soaping and getting ready for my therapy appointment. It’s all too much. The memories too heavy.
All I want is darkness, warm blankets, and to forget.
I shut off the water and drip dry on the matted rug. I’ll have to text and reschedule.
I try not to look at my mirror as I fumble for my phone. There’s a shadow in the mirror, a strange reflection of me.
The phone battery is dead, and I breakdown again.
“I can help you,” a voice whispers.
I jump, spinning as I grab for my stiff towel. No one else has been in our house since his crash.
“Look here,” the voice guides, and I turn.
My reflection gazes at me, haunted eyes pinched in concern. Did the shadows get darker?
“Trade places with me. I’ll take care of your heart.”
My chest twinges, and the heaviness inside me tightens. A break. An escape. How often have I pleaded for any kind of relief? What wouldn’t I give?
“At what cost?”
My reflection shrugs. “There is none. It only lasts as long as you desire.”
I rub my eyes, and my reflection doesn’t copy.
“Deal,” I say. Just for a day, I tell myself. Just a break for a day.
My reflection nods and touches the mirror. I reach out, our fingers brushing through wet glass and a strange warmth. That warmth entwines my hand and yanks me through.
I find myself surrounded by darkness, with a small window of light peering into my bathroom.
The pain and heaviness are gone. I cry again, relief escaping me in emotions I haven’t felt in a long time.
“How did you know?” I ask. “How did you find me?”
The shadow touches the mirror, somehow comforting me. “It was simply luck.”
For more enchanting Wednesday Words by other authors, check out the official Wednesday Words page!