Mirror Me

by Lisa Williamson Rosenberg

Though I have only recently revealed myself to him, Eddie identifies me as the culprit, which kicks off a harangue: How could you do it? Why? Why? Why? and the like, all vocalized aloud. As I lack both substance and voice, this performance only enhances Eddie’s perceived derangement, frightening more fellow travelers. Like a chemist stepping back to view an unfolding reaction, I observe what I’ve sown: madness. See what power I have? Not just over Eddie’s body but his mind too! How shall I use it?

Call it happenstance, a higher power, fate, or what you will; occurrences like this make me believe.

This is my Achilles’ heel, my shame, the leak in my levee. If I respond with the truth, I’ll expose myself. I lost control. Eddie brought us here. I don’t know how. He forced me out for the first time in our life. Yet, due to Eddie’s decision, his facility, here we are. To be solved.