Emily paused at the foot of the staircase, her gaze drawn to the mirror's intricate carvings that seemed to dance in the flickering candlelight. She felt a shiver run down her spine as she noticed the reflection's slight delay. "It's just my imagination," she whispered to herself, trying to dismiss the unease that settled in her stomach.
As Emily stood before the mirror, she caught a glimpse of movement out of the corner of her eye. Her reflection grinned, a wide, unsettling smile that did not match her own calm expression. "Who's there?" she demanded, her voice trembling as she took a step back. The reflection's grin widened, and it waved slowly, mockingly.
Emily stumbled upon a diary belonging to Lila, a young woman who had once lived in the house. The entries told a tale of isolation and despair, of a woman trapped by circumstances beyond her control. "She was trapped in the mirror," Emily realized with growing dread.
Emily took a deep breath and faced her reflection. "I know who you are," she stated firmly. The reflection's movements grew frantic, as if trying to break free. "Show me what happened to you, Lila," Emily demanded. The mirror's surface rippled, revealing a scene from the past—a tragic accident that bound Lila to the mirror’s glass.
Emily watched as the reflection matched her movements perfectly once more. She felt a sense of peace, knowing Lila was finally free. "Rest in peace, Lila," she whispered, turning away from the mirror. As she walked away, a gentle breeze rustled through the hallway, carrying with it a soft, grateful whisper.
