The mirror

Drawing by Yoneko Shiraishi

“You look ghastly,” said the mirror on the wall

“Good morning to you, too,” I replied.

“You look pale!” shouted the mirror.

“Do I?” I asked surprised rather than offended by the mirror’s rude comments.

“Indeed,” it replied barely acknowledging me.

“I still have my hair,” I said trying to joke.

“Your hair is gray,” it replied in horror.

“What is it with you this morning,?” I asked “Because you’ve never shown any interest in my appearance?

“Honey, I’m concerned,” it replied with a whisper “You were much prettier just a mere five years ago,” it said almost bursting in tears “I mean, you never were the belle of the ball, but you were easy on the eye.”

“I know,” I said to the mirror “I was never the belle of the ball, was I?”

“Now, don’t get all sentimental, you know you have more to offer than beauty,” said the mirror trying to cheer me up.

“I’m alright, don’t worry about me,” I said trying to finish our uncomfortable conversation.

“I’ve got an idea,” said the mirror smiling widely “Why don’t you get a haircut?”

“Well, that’s not a bad idea. Can I think about it?” I asked

“No, you can’t. You’re getting a hair cut. Today, as in T-O-D-A-Y!,” the mirror demanded.

And here I am at the hair salon, getting a new haircut, so that mirror doesn’t yell at me again.