Sarah placed a stack of books on the shelf, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the hallway where the mirror loomed. She rubbed her arms, trying to shake off the sudden chill. "It's just an old mirror," she whispered to herself, though unease gnawed at the edges of her mind.

Sarah jolted awake, heart racing. She fumbled for her phone, its screen casting a weak light. The tapping persisted, a gentle but insistent rhythm. With reluctant steps, she approached the hallway, her pulse quickening as she noticed the mirror's surface quivering slightly.

Terror gripped Sarah as she stumbled backward, eyes locked on the mirror. "It can't be real," she muttered, retreating to the safety of her room. The figure's gaze seemed to follow her, burning into her thoughts.

Emma opened the door, concern etched across her features. "What's wrong, Sarah?" Sarah recounted the night's events, her voice trembling. "We need to do something about that mirror," Emma urged, her resolve firm.

As they approached the hallway, the smoke swirled violently. Emma held Sarah's hand tightly. The mirror's surface rippled, a loud crack splintering the air as the glass fractured. Sarah screamed, stumbling back in horror as the shadow reappeared, its form now twisted with rage. "Don't look at it!" Emma shouted, dragging Sarah toward the door.

Sarah panted, heart pounding as Emma gripped her shoulders reassuringly. "It's over now," Emma murmured, though both felt the lingering chill of unseen eyes. Sarah never returned to the apartment. The shadow's memory haunted her, a reminder of the darkness that lingers just beyond the glass.