Mirror

Man smells and awkward stares

I stoke the fire to keep the heat up in the cottage. I think I'll make some more tea. I go to the kitchen and fill the kettle with some water from the basin Mason showed me earlier. I hang the kettle over the fire and wait for the water to warm up. I’m lost in my thoughts trying to navigate this situation I have stumbled myself into. The water is ready, so I take the kettle back to the counter and pour the hot water over the tea leaves. I let it steep before I carried the mug back to the chair in the seating area.

I breathe deeply and inhale the smell of cinnamon and apple. A perfect cup of tea for a beautiful fall day. I let the smell calm me to my core. I need to figure out what to do about this mess. Mason is right though. Once I dress appropriately, I can go with him to get some answers. Maybe he knows how to contact the owner of the mirror. I wonder if time passes by differently here? If I could go back, will it be like I never left or would days, months, or years have passed by? I shake that feeling of uneasiness and take a big gulp of the tea.

After I finish the tea, I wash the mug and put it back into the cupboard. I yawn and stretch my arms back to c***k my back. What a long day. I think I might just go to sleep. I head towards the bedroom Mason showed me earlier. I go to the right side as I know he most likely sleeps on the left side. I pull back the covers and slide into bed. Wow. This cot is way more comfortable than it looks. That’s a relief. I fluff the pillow and adjust my body to a comfortable position. I take a deep breath in and the smell of pine and bergamot. Great. Mason smells divine.

The scent of him in this cot and my image of him as my savior lull me to sleep.

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Mason POV

I pull into town and slide my leg across the back of Echo, my black and white spotted horse. I land on her left and straighten myself out. It’s always a long ride. Echo is a very smart horse and has not let me down. I tie her to the bar in front of the shops and she lowers her head. I pat her neck and tell her I'll be back soon. Echo nickers and raises her head, flicking her long black mane back out of her eyes.

“It’s alright girl, we won’t be here long,” I said to her. And I hope for our sake it's the truth. To be honest, I hate being in town. I prefer my cottage in the country, away from anyone and everyone that would be a bother. It is a lot easier that way.

I make my way down the wooden platform that connects the shops together. I know this late in the afternoon they’re most likely closed for the day. I make my way over to the inn, the sound of the creaking wood under foot distracts me. I look up and see Rosalyn standing behind the counter. Of course. Just my luck.

“Hi Rosalyn,” I start, “I was hoping to get a room for the evening.”

“Mason, hi,” she retorts, “Yes, we have a room available. Are you here for business or pleasure?” She smirks at the last word.

“Business,” I say, “I need use of the shops in the morning then I’ll be on my way.”

“Oh, okay. I'll get your key.” She turns away from me to grab a room key. When she turns back she's staring at the key. She hesitates a moment before handing it to me. We lock eyes and she looks like she wants to say something. But I much prefer this silence between us.

“Goodnight Rosalyn,” I say.

“Enjoy your stay, Mason.”