On the way home, this time on an airplane, I realized that when I was in that empty house, in my mother’s empty bedroom, I forgot to see if the mirror was still there on the back of the door or if the estate sale agents had sold it to someone wanting a sturdy mirror. Either way, someday someone else will look in that mirror. Will they see the shadow of a lonely teenage girl, angry at her mother about this or that injustice? She’s still there, I know it. I just wonder if it is me or her.
[Author’s note: Here’s the whole story with a photo of the mirror]
Cedar Waxwing's 365 
This really was wonderful. And I was going to read it all again anyway—and just did—so thanks for the quick link!
Thanks IB. Glad the link helped.
What a perfect last line. I think all of us can probably relate to your story in one way or another. A pleasure to read.
Thank you, Susan. It was cathartic to write.
Fabulous, Dona! I too love your last line.
Thanks Linda.
I always appreciate getting to know someone though their stories, so thank you. And if you ever care to share why you didn’t take the mirror, I’m all ears.
Thanks Helen. I didn’t take the mirror because I simply forgot to. I didn’t think about it until after we’d left Elgin and were on the road back to Bethesda. I knew we probably would not be heading back to Elgin in anything other than an airplane for a while.
That said — when my brother gave the house a last cleaning I asked him to take a picture of the mirror if it was still there but not tell me or show me until after January 31. He asked if I wanted him to take it for me if it was and I told him yes. He has not told me yet — so it is still a mystery to me too.
P.S. I just heard someone recite this poem, and it brought to mind your story:
https://www.poemhunter.com/poem/love-after-love/
I loved the poem and didn’t listen to it — just read it.
P.P.S. Although the person who I heard recite it sounded much more soulful than whoever is reading it on that website (it sounds like a robot). I recommend simply reading it.
OK, I’ll stop now…
🙂