Dissonance

The mirror showed a reflection that wasn't my own. Those symmetrical, dainty features set in a face of smooth amber glow with not even a hair out of place could not possibly be mine. The mahogany eyes beckoned one in with delusions of trustworthiness only to guide one further into despair and ruin. If only the mirror would tell the truth that lies below the shallow exterior. I knew the reflection well enough as it shared my face, but it was only a shallow exterior. The truth of the things I was forced to do using this disguise haunted me.

The gurgling sounds emanating from my bosom announced that it was that time again. I made my way over to the icy closet near where most of the sharpest tools were stored and began perusing through its contents. A particular flavor was desired at this time. Previous meals cast shadows in the light of the box. The compacted clutter quickly put an end to my perusing. I supposed that it would be preferable to go out for a fresh meal if I wanted to sate the hunger that befell me.

The brisk air of the darkened sky set itself upon my skin. I breathed it in, catching the scents of my craving. My skin bristled and I made my way towards the source. As I entered the establishment, I caught the eye of an esteemed guest. I held his gaze with a slow grin and made my way further in. The smell of hickory wafted in my direction as I positioned myself at the counter, away from the open flames of the dimly lit room. Skillful hands performed their magic for patrons down the way before attending to my desires.

“What’ll it be?” asked the bartender.

“I’ll have a bloody mary, but maybe a little virgin if you could. I’d like to enjoy myself a bit before getting serious,” I flirted as I slid the cash towards her.

"Sounds like a good life motto," the bartender replied jovially.

Her hands made precise movements, grasping ingredients and measuring them with what seemed like little effort. The ordained creation was presented in a swift, fluid motion indistinguishable from the movements that assembled it. Garnishes of a leafy celery stalk, a slice of lemon, and a skewer of crispy peppered bacon crowned the tall glass. The art of the glass consumed my mind though not enough to refuse to return the favor. As I sipped and nibbled on my savory concoction, I couldn’t help but take in the sights and smells of the room. The flames danced on hot coals and logs, painting dark swirls on the frames guiding it up and away from the other guests. Racks of meat joined the flames in the dance, endlessly twirling until the last of its piquant flesh had been shaved off for hungry patrons. Bodies lined the corners of the room chatting life away as if death would never pay them a visit. Curious minds speculated on the nature of death closer to my station. What were her terms? Where did she take you? What was her price for another day? The cacophony of music, laughter, and other conversations drowned out the details of the group’s inquiries. I felt something warm begin to swell and blossom though I was unsure whether it was the vodka or something else. I turned and startled, the warmth quickly dissipated ready to be replaced with whatever came next. A man stood within a foot of me leaning on the bar with alcohol on his breath.

“You look like you know how to have a good time,” He slurred, slathering his saliva across his lips with the rest of the grease from his dinner. His frame towered over mine even as he leaned heavily on the counter. The meat on his bones was enough to lift a truck without breaking a sweat. I gazed down at my drink. He continued slurring his words in my direction, but I decided to continue staring down at my half finished drink until I decided what to do about my current predicament. It didn’t seem like he was going to relent. If I turned towards him I’d be forced to take him back to my place. But, if I let him continue his monolithic monologue it could soon become more of a drunken diatribe without an end in sight. I turned towards him. The strong, chiseled features were typical of the area, though his were balanced and formed an appealing frame for his green eyes. Despite his slovenly, drunk demeanor, I had to admit he was rather handsome.

The creeping feeling began to rise within my ribs and push out. It felt like long fingers were being dragged along my skin demanding payment in the form of blood and flesh. I expelled the air from my lungs to replace it before painting a coy smile across my face.

“Wow, you sure are observant,” I responded playfully. His face contorted with glee. His bleached white teeth revealed themselves to be perfectly straight and without flaw. Those eyes of his formed creases in their corners to match the rest of his features as he joyfully continued.

“I think I can make your night even better if you let me. You’re too beautiful to be here alone,” he declared confidently as he inched even closer. His breath brushed the pungent words across my neck and jaw. I quickly scanned the bar for the bartender. She was at the other end collecting the many cans and glasses of departed patrons. Her eyes and hands would be busy for some time.

“Then I guess I should go home,” I teased. I bit the lower corner of my lip and gently placed my hand over the skin that his breath had caressed before continuing. “But, I was really looking forward to trying the meat here. The atmosphere makes it too tantalizing to settle for just a taste.”

“I’ve got enough meat to satisfy whatever you need,” he insisted. “But if you want more, we can get it to go.” He leaned away for a moment as if considering his angle. That was my chance. I stood up away from him and began making my way towards the door.

The outside air wrapped me in its dewy embrace as I made my way into the night guided by the amber glow of the streetlights. It was a short walk home, but his looming shadow turned the minutes into hours. The heavy, uneven steps synchronized with the sounds of his breathing. The door of my abode stood in sight. I hopped up the small step fumbling with my keys before squeezing my frame into the dry, sheltered air. As I did, I felt his frame cram itself behind me.

“You got a nice place,” he slurred as he stumbled past me. “Where’s the throne room though. I need to use it.” I bit the lower corner of my lip and blinked with a shallow sigh. I opened my lips to speak, but he beat me to it. “Oh, here it is. Don’t worry, I found it,” he stated as he let himself into the porcelain lined room and shut the door behind him. I closed my eyes as I listened to the sounds emanating from the room. Trickling followed by a flush and the sounds of running water formed a melody to the rhythm of my heartbeat. He needed to leave. No, he brought it upon himself when he invited himself in, I assured myself. I walked towards the door, steeling myself for what I’d find just beyond the frame.

The light peeking through the bottom of the door tucked itself back into the room, leaving only shadows. I stepped back anticipating what had happened many times before. The familiar soft glow of ethereal light chased away the shadows beyond the door. Muffled sounds of confusion and intrigue preceded a soft hiss of indiscernible words. His still slurred voice responded “No, she let me in. I swear!” The soft hiss of a response lost itself in the wood of the door. His cries gave way to screams. The door handle jostled violently as he banged on the door, begging to be freed of his new company. I leaned myself against the wall facing the door as I continued to listen to him thrash. The rumbling sounds of the shower door sliding quickly on its track was my cue. The door opened to reveal the struggle. In the glow of the viridescent light, red splatters and smears colored themselves black. His broken body lay prone atop the shower drain. The cracks in the mirror mended themselves as his blood swirled into mist ready to be inhaled. I breathed in the iron fragrance as the stains and splotches lifted from the walls and flowed into my mirrored image.

“Such a hardy meal, you’ve really outdone yourself,” the Mirror hissed. “It’ll be some time before we hunt again. Best to cut and clean the meat before it spoils.”

“It surely is enough meat to satisfy. I’m glad he understood that much,” I joked drunkenly. “I’ll get the tools from the kitchen. Thanks for cleaning up the bathroom, Babe.”