Behind the Mirror

In a world very similar to our own, there are phenomena called Blanks. Blanks are abrupt, spontaneous and very abundant. Little to none has been discovered about these instances except anyone who witnesses a Blank changes. These changes can be as little as the color of ones hair or as drastic as eternal paralysis. Of late, Blank incidents have reportedly given some individuals a contracted sickness as a change. No cure or treatment has been found.

Madier removed their hand from the mirror and looks up at the reflection in front of them. The fingerprints on the surface slowly fade away as the steam from the humid bathroom dispurses through the cracked open wooden door. Madier observed the water roll down their face whilst mentally preparing themselves to start the day. “What is the reason?” Madier thought listening to all graphic news, “Why has no one found out anything about this yet? Why does— “ Madier’s train of thought was interrupted by their 8am alarm. Abruptly, Madier ran out of the bathroom and into their petite unkempt studio apartment. Like any other day, Madier rushed out their apartment and headed to work with no time left to spare.

After getting situated in their car, the glare of the rear view mirror catches Madier’s eye and they stare at themselves forgetting all other obligations. Madier takes a deep breath, puts the key into the ignition and starts the engine. “BREAKING NEWS!” The radio erupts at full volume almost making Madier’s ears bleed. “—New information regarding the latest victims of The Change Virus. ” Madier turns the volume down so they can hear. “We are getting reports that The Change Virus IS contagious. We are waiting for more information regarding the issue. We advise everyone out there to spread the word and please, stay safe.” Madier looks at the time above the radio and takes off thinking about the report, “It’s contagious.” Madier thought.

After a relatively light shift at work, Madier walks to their car through the large factory parking lot. Aimlessly wandering in the dark hoping this is the place they parked, the fear of not knowing where their car is finally kicks in. “Where is my car? ”, Madier cried out. A quiet whisper can be heard in the distance as if someone was trying to answer Madier’s question. Madier snaps their head in all directions to see where the voice came from. Silence comes from each direction, causing Madier to commence their search with urgency.

“HEY! ”, a small shadowy figure pulls at Madier’s work pants leg, “Are you going to ignore me? ”, a shakey voice exclaims. Madier turns around fist balled and face tight.

“I was trying to”, Madier says with a sigh relaxing all their muscles. In front of Madier stands a beautiful young ginger woman with big awkward glasses. She looks up at Madier with a sparkle in her eye waiting for them to make eye contact.

“Do you always lose your car?”, The woman snickers at Madier.

“I’m tired of your shit. I told you to leave me alone.” Madier says in the calmest voicest possible while removing themselves from the vicinity.

“Please, hear me out!” The woman chases down and practically throws herself at Madier in an attempt to get them to stop. “You still haven’t told me why I was wrong.”

“This is the third time you ate my food, Jay. I’m honestly surprised you still aren’t fat.” says Madier. “And why are you being nice all of a sudden? What do you want?”

“Rude, I’m just trynna help.” Jay looks down twiddling her fingers as the night’s breeze grabs at her strawberry hair, “Besides I offered to take you out to eat bu—“

“So you can eat that too? No thanks.” Madier starts their car search again. While looking, Madier can still hear Jay’s little footsteps close by, “Why are you still here?”

“You still can’t find your car right? I’m helping.” Jay says with a big bright smile. Annoyed but genuinely needing help, Madier accepts Jay’s offer and they look for the car.

Jay spots Madier’s rust bucket only needing to look for a few seconds.

“I SEE IT!!” Jay shouts.

“Why are you yelling?” Madier snarls while giving Jay the death stare.

“Um… “ Jay looks at Madier with a genuine look in her eye.

“Thank you.” Madier sighs caving to Jay’s gaze.

“Can I get a ride?” Jay says giggling and twirling her bright red hair.

“I knew you wanted something…” Madier glares, “… but sure. Only because you found my car.” Madier and Jay get into the car and drive out of the dark parking lot.

“You know where I live?” Jay asks.

“How would I?” Says Madier.

“I live at 45 Harrow Ct. I’ll put it in your GPS. Can I see you phone?” Madier passes their phone to Jay. Jay puts their address and phone number into the phone.

“What are you doing?” Madier snatches their phone from Jay’s tiny hands.

“Just in case you want to call me.” Jay says softly.

“I won’t.”

“Don’t worry now I have your number!” Jay smiles. “And I’ll definitely call you.”

“Don’t.” Madier sighed. In an attempt to prevent any more advances, Madier turns the radio up.

“—news. One second John. We’re getting a live report from Drumtown… …” Jay turns up the radio to the disapproval of Madier, “Oh God. THERE IS A CHANGE VIRUS OUTBREAK. THE VIRUS HAS SPREAD RAPIDLY THROUGH THE EAST SIDE OF THE COUNTRY—“

“Are we the east side?” Jay asked.

“Shut for once please.” Madier says in their most stern voice.

“—WE ADVISE EVERYONE PLEASE GO HOME, STAY INSIDE, AND MAKE PEACE WITH YOUR GOD”

“Madier, I’m scared” Jay cries.

“Why?” Madier checks both side mirrors before turning onto Harrow Ct.

“Did you not hear the radio?” Jay starts to hyperventilate. “Can y-you please stay?”

“I can’t… I have a dog.” Madier mumbles.

“This not the time to be playing fucking games with me. This is actually... If your not going in neither am I.” Jay says folding her arms. Madier sits in silence checking behind the car through the rear view mirror. “If your not going to ta—“

“Fine.” A soft murmur slipped Madier’s tongue. They pull off and head to Madier’s house.

The sound of Madier’s speeding car is drowned out by the frantic news reporter. Jay tries to flip through the channels, but every station is bombarded by the cries of more news reporters and hosts. Jay goes though a few more channels before completely turning the radio off.

“Madier?” Jay calls. An annoyed grunt is the only response given. “Why’d you change your mind about staying with me?”

“Because I love your dark brown hair” Madier makes Jay blush.

As Madier and Jay approach the destination, FATE BRINGS THEM:

1. Straight Home (Ch. 2a)

2. Somewhere Else (Ch. 2b)