Narcissus: A Retelling

by C.L. Sidell

“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.

C.L. Sidell

A native Floridian, C.L. Sidell grew up playing with toads in the rain and indulging in speculative fiction. Her work has appeared in Cosmic Background, Factor Four Magazine, F&SF, Martian Magazine, Stupefying Stories, and others.

Website: https://crystalsidell.wixsite.com/mysite/publications