Narcissus by Adam Godfrey

Author:Adam Godfrey
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781959565062
Publisher: Shortwave Media

8

The ’91 Audi 200 climbs the mountain road on the same, persistent note of the VHS tape rewinder Liam’s parents kept in plain sight on the TV console like some weapon of embarrassment. Its usage always seemed to come with great intent. His father seemed to task the unit only in the presence of Liam’s friends, a hellish conversation starter that would always lead to reminiscence of the good ole days of video stores and rentals and how the movie scene just ain’t the same these days. The thing would reel into a high-pitched whine that filled the downstairs quarters, sounding like at any moment friction of the plastic rotors was about to launch into kinetic flameworks.

He pictures something similar happening to the car’s transmission as it powers them uphill. The driver, however, seems adequately unconcerned, well-acquainted with the limitations of his antiquated transport.

They could’ve taken their own car, but that would put them up front with the mirrors and reflective panels of the dash and doors. It all seemed so damn idiotic. Even still, he and Kate had both encountered darker versions of themselves, insane as it may be, by now convinced they’re tossed into the deep end of the universe, far beyond the boundaries of their understanding. He can only hope the one they plan to visit holds some kind of explanation, can maybe offer them some kind of help. In the meantime, the only thing in their control is their exposure to their own reflections. And for now, that means calling in a ride, sitting in the back seat, away from reflective surfaces of any kind. Even all four windows had been rolled down. They’d offered the driver another ten for doing so, and before he’d picked them up, ensured they’d been down in advance of their approach. The paint itself was even matte in finish, entirely unreflective, the older model vehicle a special inquiry that Liam made when the call was put out. This had confused the man on the other end of the line considerably, but Liam was persistent, patient, and in the end succeeded in fulfillment of his strange request. It was exactly what he’d ordered, despite the added angst he'd gotten from the antique’s struggle up the mountain’s side.

Liam keeps an eye on Kate, unsure how she’s doing, doubtful she’d been tuned in enough to pay much mind to their surroundings. She sits with her hands plunged in between her thighs, eyes tucked in beside them.

“Hey,” whispers Liam.

Kate offers him a single nod, face down. “Hey, yourself.”

“Gonna figure this out, okay?”

“Sure we are.”

“I’m serious. This guy, he’s still around for a reason, right?”

Kate grunts, nods again. “In the meantime, all we have to do is stay clear of our own reflections, right?” She begins to laugh, no more than a clicking sound that rises up from deep inside and rattles in her chest. Kate seals her eyes, seems to lose herself inside the private joke.

“Kate. Gotta hang in there, okay? We really are going to figure this thing out.

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