The curiosity shop had received a new item, and (as of late) she had been quite interested to know what it was. She rather enjoyed seeing the antiques, even knowing that she couldn’t afford to purchase them on a budget like hers.

It was a tall mirror; long, elegant, dark, beautiful. There was something about it…Something about the way it gleamed in the light. It was an item she wanted right away, right then, but the price…Perhaps she could cut down on her clothing budget?

A pale hand strokes the smooth surface, admiring the texture and the amazing craftsmanship. She stops her movements and taps the mirror with her fingernail.

This was something definitely worth cutting down on clothes for.

Slowly Claudia moves to stand in front of the solid surface, to admire her reflection. Her mind drifts towards as to how good she’ll look in the mirror. Eyes catch the image.

Her heart stops.

Mary laughs at her and hugs her waist, snuggling her head into her dress. The painting ladies, her other sisters, are standing around her; whole, full-bodied, just like her. Smoking Gentleman kisses her cheek and slings an arm around her shoulder, a small laugh bubbling in his chest.

It was everything she wanted. 

And yet she feels nothing.

In reality, there was no arm around her shoulder, no head snuggling into her waist, no friends and family around her. She stands alone in the shop, with neither a customer nor a boss accompanying her. Truly, this is solitude.

Hands press to the mirror, trying to wipe the image away. This is fake, she knows, she knows it well.

But…would it be so wrong to look at it a little longer, to look at the dream for a while longer? Would it be wrong to hope for what could never be?

Red eyes stare, transfixed.

She does not know how long she remains there, she has no way of comprehending time at the moment.

The mirror shines in the faint sunlight, an engraved message sparkling.

Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi.

I show not your face, but your heart’s desire.