“Steer clear of Marwynn’s Pond.”
Curious to see this forbidden place, I creep past Crocus Lane into Farthery Forest.
The pond appears after an hour of hiking, water glinting where sunrays touch it through the coniferous canopy.
Crouching at the bank, I peer into its silvery depths and see myself—eyes brighter, face unblemished.
“I’d no idea I was so beautiful…”
Awe-stricken, I reach toward the liquid mirror—and my ghastly grinning reflection breaks through, grips my wrist, pulls me under.
Down to a bed of scattered bones. Where I thrash and choke. And the watery surface above remains breathtakingly still.
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alt="Rude Awakening by Richard Lau"
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