WEAPONS OF L0VE

By Harold Frey

WEAPONS OF LOVE

This story takes place in the future, on Planet Earth. The only planet within the cosmic parallel that became corrupted by an ancient evil.

By the year 2025, the earth and its people were so enmeshed in evil, that a cataclysmic apocalypse killed millions and altered the earth physically. Survival became paramount. World leaders were forced to cooperate with each other in order to rebuild a new economy.

Over the next millennium, this new structure evolved into what became a world with two classes of people. An elite ruling class and a commoner working class. The presence of evil was still very alive.

This evil regime oppressed the commoners, stealing the wisdom, the wealth, and the young women. By the year 3030, corruption and injustice had reached its zenith. The time had come for an ancient prophecy to be fulfilled. Planet Earth would be redeemed.

Mesmerrium, the harbingers of love, inhabit the cosmic parallel. For thousands of years they have waited for this redemption and its leader. Now it was becoming a reality.

And so it was that twelve-year old James Clark, fifty three girls, and the mesmerrium, overthrew this evil regime. Using weapons of love, this redemption replaced the corruption. An ancient serenity returned. Love and truth rule again.

Every teen, young adult, and young in heart, should read this book. The world is changing. With love, you can make those changes good. Let this book inspire you to make a difference now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Dec 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662903502

Book preview

them.

James Clark is 12 years old and not exactly typical for a boy. He is very studious and makes top grades in school. Not necessarily a nerd – more of a worm in a book. As an avid reader, he is not inclined to tinker with mechanical things. He is more of a thinker, an idea man, a philosopher. Some would call him a dreamer.

James has a 14-year-old sister, Sandi, and an 8-year-old brother, Kurt. They have their usual brother-sister spats and teasing episodes, but generally get along well together.

Sam Clark, James’ father, is a successful businessman. His mother Ruth works part-time in the family business. This provides the opportunity for her to spend time at home with the kids.

The Clark family is strong and cohesive. Their affairs are frequently discussed and settled at family council. Every family member participates in these meetings. Full disclosure rules and dishonesty is not tolerated.

If one family member has a problem or a special need, the entire family contributes to the solution for working through it. With family support, each person assumes responsibility for their actions and obligations. This keeps the family strong and intact. They know they are loved no matter what happens.

As a visionary, it is not unusual for James to share ideas and concepts with his family. They know his idealistic fantasies bring him to some very remarkable conclusions. The caliber of these proposals defies the fact he is 12 years old.

His sister doesn’t take it that seriously. She thinks he lives in a world of books and fantasies. His parents believe he is destined to accomplish some significant things, but don’t have a clue as to what they might be.

Sandi spends her hobby time painting pictures and designing and making clothing. Being older and also a girl, she does not usually hang out with her brother. It is not that they don’t get along. Through the years, they have had many good times together. But now she is at that age where boyfriends are important, and James is always reading.

Kurt is the family inventor and mechanic. In his spare time, he usually keeps himself occupied building things or taking things apart. Sometimes he takes things apart he has no business taking apart. After all, how can he figure out how something works unless he can discover how it is put together? Kurt is certainly not ignorant in his own right, but a bit too young to tune in seriously to his brother’s academic rantings, or his big sister’s creative and social pursuits.

While this family is creative and diverse, their custom of holding family council plays a significant role in keeping them in touch with each other. Consequently, when James’ behavior suddenly changes dramatically, the family becomes aware and concerned. What James claims to have experienced is far removed from anything that would be considered normal. It initially tends to destroy the closeness and understanding support this family has come to cherish.

James knows he isn’t crazy, but his family is beginning to wonder. When a family member appears to have lost their grip on reality and is adamant about it, it’s time for some serious action.

James’ parents were considering the feasibility of getting professional help. It seemed to them he had become delusional, rebellious, or for some reason just blatantly lying. There had to be a deeper reason for this conduct. James had never been dishonest with his parents. They were at wit’s end to understand it. What could possibly explain such irrational behavior, bringing serious conflict into this family?

James knows he must find a way to convince his family he is speaking the truth. Initially, he is limited on how to provide that proof. As time passes, however, he becomes aware of how to make it happen.

It will involve his sister Sandi. She will need to give her consent and agree to the arrangements. James believes he can get her to do that. For example, she would be obligated to expose him as a fraud at family council if he was lying. If she saw with her own eyes that he was telling the truth, she would have to defend him.

Thus it was that James and Sandi went together to Reflection Plaza on that fateful day. A day that would change the Clark family forever.

Reflection Plaza is a favorite hangout in Summerville. Locals and tourists alike find this a place of amenity. Being an outdoor patio laid with beautiful natural stone, people come here just to relax and enjoy food and drink from one of the adjoining restaurants. It is next to a beautiful park with flower gardens and fountains where people stroll at their leisure.

The plaza is open toward and accessible from the street side. Observing from that perspective, the restaurants and curio shops are along the right side. The far side opposite the street is the park. The left half of the street side, as well as all of the left side, consists of a rocky cliff forming a natural enclosure around this corner of the plaza. Inlaid within these rock walls around the edge of the plaza are numerous huge mirrors. When sitting at one of the elegant ceramic tile tables on the plaza, or just walking across it, the mirrors add a significant reflective dimension to your perception. Thus the name, Reflection Plaza.

James loves going to this place to hang out or to read. He has a favorite mirror that holds a special fascination for him. It’s the one in the corner where the left side and street side come together. It sets at a forty-five-degree angle to the two sides it connects, and reflects part of the park, some of the shops, and some of the plaza.

These mirrors are set into the rock slightly with decorative frames around them. This gives them the character of huge pictures, but since they are mirrors, these pictures are alive. Because of the reflective possibilities and natural beauty, this is a favorite setting for photographers. Outdoor weddings are sometimes hosted here.

Sometimes James finds himself just staring into this corner mirror. If the plaza is busy, it provides an ever-changing picture of activity. It is also the tallest mirror, trimming out the corner as it does. The rocky ledge that rises above these mirrors gives James a sense of security, as the plaza nestles below this mini cliff. He just likes coming here and does so as frequently as possible.

It is not unusual to see people waving in the mirror. There’s something about a living picture that elicits action. When people see themselves moving around, they cannot resist the urge to perform all kinds of antics, and they do just that. James finds human behavior fascinating. Sometimes even he will venture into the art of face making and curious postures, if he thinks no one is watching.

One afternoon, James was relaxing as he looked intently into his favorite mirror. After a little while, he saw the figure of a young woman waving, apparently at him, from the mirror. Inasmuch as he could also see his own image, he waved back to see what kind of response he would get. The lady waved again and then gestured for him to come.

Somewhat surprised, he turned around to see the person whose reflection he was interacting with. To even more surprise, he saw no one there. Not a soul! Not a single person was close enough to have been there and gone in such a short time.

Momentarily, he sat there in a puzzled muse. How could that person be right there behind him to produce a reflection and not be there when he turned around to see her? As he continued in reflective thought, he remembered the girl’s image had appeared standing to his right and slightly behind where he was seated. Immediately he stood up and assumed the position where she would have been. Imagining adjustments for the difference in size – she appeared to be about twenty-something and taller than James – he could only conclude that she would have been very close to him, almost beside him. Not being able to see her would clearly have been impossible. But no one was there.

James placed this somewhat epiphanic experience in the back of his mind and shared it with no one. He mused over it occasionally in thought, wondering if it was to mean something. Was he just imagining it? Had he been asleep and dreamed it? No! He was certain it really happened and certain he could not rationalize it. But life goes on and he had responsibilities to care for, which he did.

It was two weeks before James returned to Reflection Plaza again. As he walked across the plaza toward the area where he usually sat near his favorite mirror, he was distracted by some small kids putting on their own little show next to one of the mirrors. Resuming his look for a place to sit, his glance was drawn to the corner mirror by some vigorous motion in it.

Instantly, his heart skipped a beat and he was transfixed. The very same lady he had seen before was waving with both hands and jumping up and down. It appeared she was expressing great excitement at seeing him again. In consternation he reeled around in one complete circle, frantically searching for the source of this reflection. She just wasn’t there!

Turning back to the mirror, he saw her standing there calmly, gesturing for him to come. Then, before his fixed stare, she vaporized into nothing.

James was frozen in place for a moment as he collected his wits. Still staring into the mirror, he thought to himself, Did I just see what I think I saw? He was sure it was the same girl he had seen two weeks before. She was wearing the same full-length blue dress, had long dark hair, and an unmistakably beautiful face just as he remembered it. It was definitely the same person.

With the time that had passed since his first encounter with this mysterious reflection, James had not entertained the idea that he would see this person again. That experience had been filed away as simply a strange, unexplainable phenomenon, like a dream which makes no sense and is forgotten. But now with this experience reeling in his mind, that first encounter flashed back with vivid recollection. He was not crazy! He was not dreaming! Whatever this was, it was real!

James sat down and deliberately engaged his calculating mind. One thing was for sure. His first experience in seeing this lady in the mirror could no longer be chalked up to a fluke of his imagination or any other possible misperception. The certainty of this encounter affirms the validity of the first. I know what I saw then, and I know even more clearly what I saw just now, James thought. I am not losing my mind. I am not imagining this.

In continued thought, James made a mental assessment of the reflection he just saw. He was certain it came from no person on the plaza as his immediate observation revealed. But he also realized that had it been a reflection of a person on the plaza, that person would have been in front of him. There could be no mistake about this. His own reflection at that point was much smaller and behind the girl. If what he saw was a reflection, he would also have seen the person who was making it. In fact, if someone had been jumping and waving that close to the mirror, anyone behind them would surely notice the actual person before the reflection. That’s simple logic!

All of this helped James realize he did not see a reflection. That idea was even more credible when he considered how this mysterious lady disappeared from the mirror. A reflection does not slowly dissolve until it is no longer there, but that is exactly what she did while he stared at her.

Knowing with certain conviction what he saw, James considered the implications. It would seem there is a beautiful invisible girl who has the ability to transmit her reflection into the mirror visibly. It doesn’t make sense, and it isn’t possible by any scientific calculation. A mirror cannot reflect something that isn’t visible. But she was in there and she wasn’t out here. That’s for sure!

There were other people on the plaza at this time, and James wished he could ask some of them if they saw this lady in the mirror. Being too shy to do so, he just kept it to himself. Besides, they would think he was strange, asking if they had seen the reflection of someone who wasn’t there.

After this experience, there is no way James can forget about this girl and her apparent interest in him. He is certain he is the person she was waving to, and gesturing for him to come. At his first encounter, nobody else was close by. This time, there were other people on the plaza, but not in his immediate vicinity. He felt strangely drawn to her when she looked intently at him. Instinctively, he knows he is the intended recipient of this mysterious encounter. But why was she gesturing for him to come? How do you go to someone who isn’t there? What does all this mean?

It is impossible for James to push this incident out of his mind as some fluke experience or his imagination. He contemplates it and knows he must pursue it further. It’s getting late now and he must return home, but you can bet your wad he will not wait two weeks before coming back to Reflection Plaza. He must see this person again! By some mysterious intuition, he is certain that he will.

Family council in the Clark home takes place following dinner on Tuesday evenings. There is always a special dessert on that day. Having dinner together as a family is a standard practice and everyone is expected to be present. Only authorized absences are permitted when necessary.

These daily meals together are always opportunities for family discussion and updates on what is happening in everybody’s lives. If current problems or situations arise that need immediate attention, these issues are dealt with immediately. Things that need to be discussed but can wait are put on the agenda for the next Tuesday meeting.

Sam Clark is the official Chairman at these meetings. A certain decorum is maintained so that everybody’s concerns are addressed. Everyone has an opportunity to speak exclusively for themselves while everyone else listens. Discussions are not allowed to get out of hand or too chaotic. If someone is bursting at the seams to say something, or an idea pops into your mind that you have to share, do not interrupt the person speaking. Wait for your turn. Raising your hand for permission is certainly allowed. If you think you will forget something, write it on your note pad. The whole purpose behind family council is to get ideas and input from everyone. This works best within a managed environment. Everyone gets a voice, but not all at the same time.

Another important element of the council method is the disagreement procedure. All wise deliberations recognize disagreement as a valid element and perhaps even an important one. Not everyone sees things the same way, so different perspectives are welcome. But when you disagree with another person or a certain idea, you are not allowed to express anger toward that person or the idea. It is ok to disagree, but that can be done with a civil tongue.

Furthermore, all disagreements must be defended. Do not disagree without having a reason. Be prepared to give your reason or engage questions that will help establish a reason. This method contributes to the conversation, and that is the purpose. Placing all the ideas on the table will help show what is frivolous and what is substantial. Sometimes within this structure, people learn and change their minds. Other times it is just necessary to agree to disagree, but not with hostility.

James could not forget the invisible lady. He wanted to return to Reflection Plaza as soon as possible. Going over there on a school day would not be easy. With homework and other responsibilities at the house, that didn’t leave much time. He couldn’t very well ask to be excused from family dinner to go searching for an invisible girl. And speaking of family time, what would he tell them at family council about his experience? Could he even mention it?

Being vulnerable within the family was not a threat to the Clark siblings. Sure, James and Sandi had their moments of normal sibling rivalry, teasing about relationships or whatever. But in context with the ethos of family council, there was a safe and affirming environment within the Clark household not known in many families. They were free to disclose their escapades. It was expected that they share, and there was no real threat in doing so. This in turn provided substance for characterizing and exploring constructive methods of dealing with whatever might come along. With allowances for appropriate personal propriety, the Clark family was not in the business of keeping secrets from one another.

James was torn between two things. His anticipation of a further encounter with this mysterious person, and his obligation to include the family in his adventure. What could he say at family council that anyone would understand? Perhaps it would be best to keep this to himself until he had something more substantial to share.

He just had to experience this lady in material form, know that she was real, and someone to whom he could talk. Certainly, she would be able to explain how she produced a reflection without being there. Surely he could find out what this was all about. He had to get back to the plaza, and he didn’t want to wait until the weekend.

The more James thought about this, the more he experienced a feeling of ethereal magnetism. A powerful luring for him to come and discover what lay behind the mystery of this strange attraction. It was as though he had a destiny to meet with her. He felt excitement, fear, anticipation, and apprehension, all at the same time. This only intensified his need to go and find her as soon as possible.

If he could get to Reflection Plaza before family council on Tuesday, perhaps this whole thing would be cleared up and he could share it with his family. He thought it would be best to go right after school on the way home. He was a bike rider, so he would just go home by way of the plaza. It’s out of the way, but if he did extra homework on Monday, he could go on Tuesday and still get home in time to do his chores. Then at family council, he would explain the whole thing.

It seemed like a good plan and James was hopeful it would work. He didn’t give much thought to the idea that he could go to the plaza and nothing would happen, the lady would not be found. His only thoughts were how excited she seemed to be when he last saw her, and how strongly he felt this impending need to return. The idea that she would not be there didn’t seem possible. She had to be! He could just feel it!

Tuesday afternoon came none too soon. James was off like a missile to find his mysterious friend. At the plaza, he parked his bike and ran across the stone patio to his favorite spot near the huge corner mirror. There were only a few people around. Before sitting down, he just stood and looked into the mirror. Examining every inch of the glass, he deliberately scrutinized the details of the reflection. Then turning around to see everything that was being reflected, he made sure he was not missing anything. He made sure his mystery girl was not on the plaza. She was not.

Sitting down, he just stared into the mirror. He tried to imagine her image in it, hoping to see her materialize and come to life. He was close enough that his own image was very visible. He anticipated her appearance at a similar distance like before. This time, he would be ready to interact with her. The moments became minutes as his stare became glazed and unfocused. The muse he was in held his mind.

James, James.

Startled back to awareness and focused sight, he sat up with deliberate attention. Did someone just call me? he thought. Quickly looking around, he saw no one close by. Checking the mirror again, he waited and listened with renewed arousal.

James.

This time he knew he heard his name. It came from the mirror. He jumped up from his chair and searched the mirror for a clue. After a moment, his attention was drawn to the top of the mirror where a portion of the sky was reflected. A small dark object was hovering there. As he tried to identify it, it moved toward him, becoming large enough to reveal the blue-dressed lady with the dark hair. James was excited, speechless. Her image moved to the front of the mirror.

Immediately, she gestured for him to come as her clear voice said, Come, James. She then quickly turned and soared away from him, disappearing into the reflected sky.

Suddenly James called out, Wait! Wait! It was too late. She was gone. In spite of his deliberate intention to engage with her, he was unprepared for what happened. In that moment of bewitching awe, he seemed to lose his speech. He turned and looked into the sky as if to wonder, Could she have actually been up there? Not only is this person invisible, she can fly, and she knows my name. He stood there for a moment in deep contemplation. Then, checking the time, he needed to head home.

James did his chores in a pensive mood. He could not decide what to say at family council after dinner. He had nothing more concrete to share than if he had not gone to the plaza. How does one tell their family about an invisible flying girl calling to him from his favorite mirror at Reflection Plaza? That’s pure poppycock! Yet, as sure as James knows anything, he knows these experiences are real. And he can’t shake the conviction that something significant, perhaps something very important, is yet to be revealed.

Through the evening meal, James was rather silent and didn’t enter the conversation more than necessary. He was trying to decide what to share at the council that would follow dinner immediately. It was not particularly unusual for James to be in a reflective mood, so the family was not aware of the turmoil in his mind. In some cases, the conversation at Tuesday dinners would be a prelude to what would be discussed in more detail at the following council. But James would not allude to anything he was going to share until it was time.

When it was James’ turn to share at council, he hesitated briefly, then said, I think something important is going to happen soon. I’m going to be involved. Maybe all of us will be involved. I don’t know.

What do you think is going to happen? Dad wanted to know.

I don’t know, James replied.

Why do you think something is going to happen? Mother queried.

James hesitated, I met someone. Then immediately correcting himself, he said, Well, I didn’t exactly meet her.

Her? Sandi chided. What her?

This lady I saw, James offered.

You saw? Dad said. Did you speak with her? he wondered.

No, James said, pausing a moment before blurting out, I did call to her when she was flying away.

The moment of silence that followed was all the time James needed to realize he just said more than he had intended. He quickly added, She was leaving so fast I didn’t have a chance to talk to her.

Trapped in her own thoughts, Sandi blurted out, You’ve got a crush on some girl at school, don’t you?

No! James retorted strongly.

Come on, James. Tell us what you’re dreaming about this time, Sandi proffered teasingly.

I’m not dreaming! James snapped sharply.

Dad took the hand-carved gavel that was used at council meetings and hit the marble slab several times saying, Come to order please. Everybody knew that meant, Shut up! It was time for silence.

This gavel was used to maintain order, and when Dad used it, he was serious. The marble slab was used to protect the table from damage, and the gavel would lay on the slab when not in use.

Time for a recap, Dad said.

A recap meant there would be a review of everything that had been said during James’ session so far. Before continuing, they would make an accurate assessment of the conversation to avoid misunderstanding. Using a feedback technique, Dad would now pose questions designed specifically to establish what had been said and determine that it was understood. He began.

Did I hear you say that you think something important is going to happen?

Yes, James answered.

Dad continued. And the reason you believe this is because of someone you saw, but didn’t really meet?

Well, sort of, James offered.

And you were unsuccessful in trying to speak with this person?

Yes. But I wanted desperately to speak with her, James said. But she, he paused to make sure he did not say flew away. Left quickly before I could.

During a recap, the other family members are required to remain silent until Dad opens the conversation to them. His first priority is to clarify what was said so they can determine what it means. This will usually arouse questions, which will then be addressed to fill in the picture. James’ mind was churning to determine how to answer the questions he knew were coming.

Dad continued. Let’s be clear. You saw this person but did not speak to her?

Yes, that is correct, James answered.

But you wanted to speak to her?

Yes.

And you could not speak with her because she left in a hurry?

Yes.

James was answering the questions without adding more information than was necessary. He just wanted to get through this council so he could further pursue this and get some real answers.

Here is what we know then, Dad stated. You saw a female with whom you really wanted to talk. You were unable to talk because she left quickly before you had a chance. From this brief encounter, you have determined that something important might happen, but you don’t know what. Is this basically correct, James?

Yes, it is, James stated with certainty.

That seems strange and curious. It leaves many unanswered questions, Dad concluded.

James just smiled artificially.

Dad opened the questions and conversation to the family. Sandi was excitedly anxious to know who this girl was, suspecting that her brother was trying to say something about a girl from school. What she found out was that James doesn’t know who this girl is, and that she is really a young woman.

Mother’s inquiry as to where this took place answered the question as to why James went to Reflection Plaza after school today. But since this was the third time James saw this lady, it seemed odd that no conversation took place.

Dad was also puzzled over the interest this lady seemed to offer James while also eluding him. The strong feelings James expressed about these encounters seemed like a youthful infatuation, more like an episode from a book he read than anything significantly real.

James answered their questions with some ambiguity. He was able to get through this without revealing these appearances took place in the mirror, without elaborating on the mystery surrounding it.

The picture in the mind of the family looks something like this – A young woman at the plaza waves to James and then quickly disappears before he collects his wits enough to say anything to her. It happens several times, so she could be an employee at one of the businesses there. This makes such an impression that he feels something important will result from it. It seems a bit odd and out of character for James, but for now, they are content to let it take its course as a youthful infatuation or fantasy.

Following council, James went outside to go for a walk, collect his thoughts, and plan further strategy. He is glad he got through this without having to reveal all the mysterious details. Because of his conviction that this is more significant than the family realizes, he knows that eventually he will have to share more than he has this time. Hopefully before the next family council he will gain something substantial to share. He has to get to the bottom of this and find out what it means. With the schedule he has, his next trip to the plaza could be after school on Thursday. Anticipating what might happen makes him anxious. Then for a moment, his mind becomes logical and rational.

He thinks, What if she doesn’t appear and I never see her again? Can I just relegate this whole thing to a passing fluke? No! Never! She called my name! She is real!

After three encounters, James is certain he will see her again. Deep within, he holds a powerful sense that something significant will happen. He must be ready for whatever it is.

Thursday couldn’t come soon enough. James was so anxious for what he anticipated that he had difficulty concentrating on his studies. He kept thinking about the fact that this mysterious lady always gestured for him to come. What was that about? How could he go to someone who wasn’t really there? Why did she call for him to come and then disappear into the mirror? He could not ignore the thought that this was important, but did not understand what to do. He wanted to be prepared so she would not get away from him this next time.

Come, James – Come, James. Over and over, he rehearsed the voice he had heard. It rang clear and distinct in his mind. At the deepest level, he felt a mysterious and powerful magnetism to follow her. It was as though she was calling him even now as he sat in history class oblivious to the teacher’s lecture. His muse was fathomless.

Suddenly, he realized he was alone in the classroom. Mr. Bowers, the teacher, had just spoken to him, asking, Is everything all right James?

Uh – yeah. I’m ok, he stammered. Coming to reality, he got up to leave.

While riding home from school, James set in motion his calculating mind. He concluded that one thing is certain. This lady wants him to go with her. He doesn’t understand why, but he feels a need and desire to do just that. The question is, go where, and how? His thoughts went to the fact that when she said ‘come’, she was in the sky, then flew away. James chuckled to himself as he imagined actually flying away with her. Maybe I am losing my mind, he thought. Sure! I’m going to fly away with her!

Certain that he was not losing his sanity, James continued to analyze the situation calculatingly. She looks real; she sounds real; she is in the mirror. She would have to be a reflection; everything in a mirror is. However, she is not physically present to produce a reflection. Then she disappears within the mirror as though she were smoke or vapor. That makes her more or less not real, yet I see and hear her, which is real. Could this be some kind of intangible spiritual experience, but still real?

Trying to be as practical as possible, James considered what it would be like for a real person to encounter him at Reflection Plaza. If someone was really interested in getting his attention, they ought to show up in person. There would be no need for reflections that are not reflections. It’s the real person that would be significant.

Consequently, the nature of this encounter must be intentionally mysterious and spiritual in character. There must be a deeper and more profound significance to whatever this is and whatever it intends to become. His inner conviction tells him this is in fact the case, so he really doesn’t know what to expect. He begins to feel some fear, but anxiously knows he must continue exploring this phenomenon.

Thursday comes, and after school James is quickly on his way to Reflection Plaza. His emotions are mixed as he plans to be prepared for anything. He thinks about how to engage her when she shows up, feeling certain that she will. He is desperate to finally have a conversation with this mysterious person. Surely this time she will not go away without providing some kind of explanation.

James is warm with anticipation. He holds a sense that somehow today will bring answers to his many questions. As he nears the plaza, his heart is beating excitedly. But he must be cool and collected. He must be calm and deliberate.

James parks his bike and begins to walk across the plaza. He has to go around an area where a custodian is cleaning up an ice cream spill. There is a mother with three young children at one of the tables nearby. A few other people are scattered about the plaza. An older couple is standing right in front of his mirror as he finds his favorite table empty and sits down. The couple just stands there looking into the mirror as though trying to see something themselves. James cannot help but wonder if they have witnessed his phantom lady and are searching for her as well. Perhaps they are just fascinated by the reflection and their images within it.

After what seems like a much too long moment, the couple continues on their way. James can now see his own reflection fully and observes the entire mirror carefully. There is no sign of the lady. He stands up and turns around to observe who is on the plaza. Then, almost as an afterthought, he looks into the sky to see if anything is flying around. There is an airplane at a considerable distance. He stares at it for a short time. Satisfied that this girl appears nowhere, he sits back down and looks to the mirror again.

It’s a clear day and the sun is warm in the mid-afternoon. There are no significant clouds in the sky. The mirrors are bright with their reflected pictures. James continues to observe his special mirror, hoping for his friend to appear. After a few moments, there is unusual movement in the mirror and James focuses intently. What he sees is more amazing than anything he was anticipating.

Swirling around in kaleidoscopic circles are brilliant colors. The entire mirror fills up with these amazing colors as they swirl and morph into a rainbow of smoke that forms a frame around the edge of the mirror. Inside this frame, there is a backdrop of mint green. James beholds with wonder and feels a sense of comfort and connection. He quickly glances around, not really expecting to see anything. He notices that no one else is paying any attention to the mirror. Turning immediately back to the transformed mirror, he realizes he is the only person who is witness to this phenomenon.

He watches carefully as an image begins to appear against the backdrop. In a moment, it is clear that the beautiful, dark-haired lady in her blue dress is coming into focus. He just stares. Initially, she fills the picture bigger than life. This is a huge mirror. Then she floats to ground level as she morphs to normal size. The colors in the mirror disappear and for the first time since James has seen her, she is standing outside the mirror as an actual person. Looking right at James, she extends her hand and speaks. Come, James. It is time to go.

James is speechless with wonder but instinctively begins moving toward her. When he is about ten feet away, she extends her arm and says, Take my hand. I have much to show you. James reaches out and takes her hand. She clasps it firmly. Instantly, his senses become engulfed with a feeling of weightlessness. For a brief second, he sees nothing and feels detached from all reality. Suddenly, his vision opens and he finds himself standing in a beautiful garden. She releases his hand. For a moment, neither say anything as James looks around, stunned by the reality of a world he has never seen.

This is awesome, he says quietly, as he begins to walk. He wants to know if this is just an illusion. He feels alive and real and everything around him seems real. He goes