Chapter 198: “Disappearance” (10)
Mirrors, because they reflect the characteristics of objects, often hold special meaning in mysticism.
Some believe they do more than reflect light—they can also reveal the “unseen world.” Because of this, mirrors are often used as mediums to communicate between the living and the dead, appearing in rituals like divination or spirit-calling. The common horror trope of seeing ghosts in mirrors stems from this idea.
In certain cultures, mirrors are also thought to reflect one’s inner self and reveal the true nature of a person. For example, in Islam, there is a belief that if a person’s inner nature is flawed, the mirror will appear clouded when they look into it, preventing them from perceiving the truth.
Additionally, in spiritual traditions, mirrors are said to have the ability to “absorb and reflect energy.” This is reflected in Chinese Feng Shui, where objects like bronze mirrors are used to protect homes, and Bagua mirrors are used to deflect negative energy.
In short, whether in mysticism or horror films, mirrors are highly significant and frequently used elements. And based on Everly’s experience watching horror movies, in stories involving mirrors, eight out of ten times, nothing good happens when someone looks into one.
Because of this, the moment she sensed something was wrong, Everly’s first instinct was to avert her gaze.
However, even as her mind screamed at her to look away—to stop staring and move away from the mirror—her body felt like a rusted machine, its joints stiff, its reactions sluggish.
The light on her chest pointed straight at the mirror. The bright beam, reflected back, once stabbed into her eyes so sharply that she could barely look at the figure within. But at some point, the chest-mounted light began to flicker like a dying candle, trembling weakly before dimming.
And so, under the influence of some unknown force, she stood there blankly, forced to clearly see her own pale face in the mirror.