Asuka.

- 0 -

Hmm-Hmm. Hmm-Hmm-Hmm. Hmm-Hmm.

I brushed my hair while I hummed a song I no longer know the name of.

Hmm-Hmm-Hmm. Hmm. Hmm.

Hmm-Hmm.

In the mirror, a beautiful young girl was looking back at me. She too, was humming a song, but without a voice.

Hmm-Hmm. Hmm. Hmm-Hmm.

The girl looked sad. That's okay, I'm sad too. Hmm-Hmm. Hmm. I touched the girl's face through the mirror. Tears trickled down her cheeks. Don't cry. Please don't cry.

Hmm-Hmm-Hmm-Hmm-Hmm.

Her big round eyes. Her delicate skin. Her supple lips. You're so beautiful. I reached out my hand to her. She reached out her hand too, and our palms touched. Why are you so cold?

You're so cold. Just like mother.

Hmm-Hmm. Hmm-Hmm.

You're pretty too. You're so pretty. Why doesn't anybody love you? Hmm-Hmm. I know the feeling. Don't worry. I caressed her cheeks, they too, were icy cold. I will be here with you. I will stay with you. I won't leave you. My precious.

Mama always called me that.

...Hmm-Hmm.

?so won't you kiss me said she

I closed my eyes, and my face drew closer and closer to the mirror. Our lips touch. I opened my eyes, and she was glaring back at me with her own big, round eyes. What do you want? I asked.

YOUR VOICE

Her icy cold hands flew out of the mirror like a flash and strangled me. You have your mother's eyes.