'Deanna, this is a surprise' stated her mother. 'It's been a while'.
'I know', said the girl, feeling a pang of guilt. The relationship with her mother was not always what you would call "normal" by any standards. There were just some things in which they didn't see eye to eye. 'How are you?', she asked, taking a stab at an everyday conversation.
'I am trying to be better', answered Marina, 'you know, taking care of this and that and sometimes wondering why my only daughter doesn't call once in a while'.
'Sorry Mom, have been busy lately'..."if you could call being a librarian, busy" she thought to herself.
It was a job she loved, and being fond of books ever since she could remember helped a lot reaching this career path. She didn't know how to slip the recurring dreams into conversation, so instead she listened to her mom's ramblings about her old friends, and crazy ideas. While doing so, she glanced in the mirror above the telephone. A young woman stared back. Her long, raven black hair glowed in the morning's sunshine, and the emerald green eyes looked troubled, encasing the remnants of last night's dream.
'You know', said Marina, 'I've just had a crazy thought'. Deanna was accustomed to her mother's crazy thoughts so she braced herself. 'Why don't you and I go on a trip? I saw this ad the other day about a charming little place called Mirror Island...'. "How appropriate" thought Deanna, considering the object of her dreams. 'So what do you say?' finally asked Marina.
'I don't know, Mother, I'm not sure I can'. 'I understand', said Marina, sadness and disappointment lacing her voice, 'I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to spend time together. But enough about this, tell me about these dreams that trouble you'.
Deanna didn't even pretend to be shocked. Her mother, like herself, possessed special abilities. All the women, and some men in their family had them. Growing up, Deanna realized there was no point in lying to her mother, as she always found out what was going on, no matter what. She never liked being 'special' but soon realized there was nothing she could do to be otherwise.
'Well, it all started a month ago and it's been evolving ever since, and to tell the truth I don't know what they mean. It feels like I'm on a path to find out the truth about something, but I don't know what about', confessed Deanna, frustration creeping lightly into her voice.
'My dear', said Marina, switching into wise-mode. 'These dreams come to you for a reason, and the key to solving them lies within you'.
'Great', replied Deanna, 'instead of getting an answer, I get another mystery'.
'You know how our way works' said Marina sternly, as if talking to a five-year old who just got caught stealing a cookie from the jar.
'Yes Mother, I know, but that doesn't make it any easier. My nights are terrible, I'm truly afraid of going to sleep and the evil laughter haunts me even during the day'.
'I can only give you an advice' Marina offered. 'You need to look behind the mirror, take note of everything around you: sounds, images, feelings. The key is in the little things'.
Deanna sighed. She knew her mother was right, and even though the topic of the conversation was less than thrilling, it was great to hear her mom's voice again. She did feel bad about not spending enough time with her, considering all the special ties that bind them together, and she knew just how to make it up to her..."and my conscience" she thought sheepishly.
'On second thought Mom, I think the trip idea is great. We should do it. I really need a vacation, and who knows, I might even get a good night's sleep'.
But that was not the case. It seems that Mirror Island is expecting its guests with more than its beauty.
- to be continued -
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