Author's Note: One of my first Buffy ficlets, and also one of my first few drabbles for LiveJournal's sunday100. Subject: reflection. Spoilers for "Dirty Girls."

Before You Die, You See

By Trisana McGraw

As Caleb approached her, Molly stood her ground. I am a strong, fearless Slayer. Tell that to the shaking hand holding her knife.

Suddenly she was lifted off her feet, a strong hand crushing her throat. His other hand grabbed her knife and sank it into her chest.

Her suddenly-weak head drooped. In the knife's shiny surface, smeared with blood, she glimpsed her reflection. There was no strong Slayer staring wide-eyed, just another scared little girl.

Dragging her head up, she stared into Caleb's eyes, but she couldn't see herself in those unfeeling depths. Soon, she saw nothing at all.