Something in my eyes burned and spilled down my cheeks. My tongue hurt. I must have chewed on it. I slipped out of bed, tucking Samantha into her lumpy, faded comforter. For a moment, I could pretend that the funhouse mirror was real, that we were in love, that I could take care of her. It didn't last long. I had to go to the bathroom.

The Autumn Woman waited for me in the darkness, in a spotted mirror surrounded by paint that was cracked and peeling. I flicked on the light. It washed ...