I walk up with a nasty taste in my mouth. Against my good will, I pull myself up out of bed and slowly trudge downstairs.

“Morning, Mum!” I say, settling down onto our kitchen stool.

“Morning babe-“ Mom trails off as she turns around. She looks utterly confused as she checks around the corner wall for something.

“Looking for something?” I query, slowly easing myself out of my seat. As soon as the words escape my mouth, Mom nearly jumps out of her skin.

“Mom, what’s wrong?” I stutter while taking a few tentative steps towards her. I watch in confusion as she reaches up to rub her temples. I trail her as she walks to the base of the stairs.

“Amalie? Are you up sweetie?” She calls up the stairs.

“Mom…” I whisper, slowly reaching out to gently touch her arm. When my skin makes contact with her’s, she whips her head around frantically yelling out, “Who’s there? Tell me now!” I retract my hand, backing away from my mother. Suddenly I don’t feel good. I stumble towards the bathroom and wet a rag with water. I hold it on my face for a couple seconds. When I take it down, I look to my reflection, to find none. My fingers slowly reach forward to touch the glass.

“I’m…I’m gone.”