Revised May 6, 2023 (Original Sept. 16, 2022)                          

Kim Bartlett                           

Prompt:  Image of a large mirror

Word count: 1,120

Mirror, Mirror

Norah was 34 years old. She had been working at "Mirror, Mirror" for 14 years. During that time, she had been promoted from Sales Clerk to Sales Manager but this was irrelevant because her salary increase was minimal and  she was still the one and only employee in the store.  While in high school, she had started at the mirror store part-time and discovered that she had talent in sales, especially sales made over the phone, on account of her beautiful deep voice.

The couple (Sylvia and Isaac Hersh) who owned the store, had begged her to stay on after graduation. She could not refuse. They had treated her like a daughter after her mother passed away several years past.  They had no children. 

Recently, Norah had seen more of the couple’s aging and more of their need for her. 

Her departure would mean the end of the family business. So, Norah stayed on working at Mirror, Mirror even though she did not like the job. She was accustomed to putting the needs and happiness of others ahead of hers.  With each passing day, she became more convinced that life and love had passed her by.

For 14 years Norah had been looking at her reflection in the store mirrors, always the same dreadful features: forehead too high, nose and ears too big and hair too  thin.  How could she be so hideous when her parents had been relatively attractive.  She had taken the worst of the two.

Sylvia encouraged her (without success) to join a book club or some other social activity but Norah couldn’t bear seeing the reactions off people when meeting her for the first time. Therefore, her entire social life was having dinner every Thursday evening with Sylvia and Isaac in their flat above the store. After dinner, Lined with shops and services. easy for walkers, Booth Avenue , she saw a long string of orange cones  and pedestrian detour signs.  , She vaguely recalled an announcement on the radio about this work starting.  It took her twice as long as usual to get home.  She made a mental note to leave early for work the next day.

                                    _______________________________

At first, Norah thought the man was drunk. When the door buzzer went off, she looked through the watched from the back room as he entered the front door, he stumbled and sat down hard on stool they kept up at the front of the store. She turned off the polishing machine and approached the backroom doorway for a peak.  Seeing the white cane, she understood his clumsiness. He looked a bit flustered but he was well-dressed, very handsome (she thought)   tall, broad shoulders, with a bit of silver in his dark hair and beard. Broad shoulders

He spoke out clearly "This damned construction really messes me up.” 

Isaac who was sitting at his desk behind the counter heard the disembodied complaint and immediately jumped on board with his own rant”.  You tell me, Mister, my business is going to take a hell of a hit! Meanwhile, city taxes are due just like always. Who is responsible for this mess? That is what I want to know.”

Isaac realized that he had forgotten to lock the front door after he came in that morning. He paused his paperwork and said blandly “the store doesn’t open for another fifteen minutes; you’ll need to wait outside”.”

Norah watched as Sylvia suddenly appeared, went directly to the man, touching  touched you, Sir?”

Isaac came out from behind the counter and as soon as saw the white cane, reset his tone “Good morning, Sir.  my name is Isaac Hersh, this is my wife, Sylvia. I’m sorry I didn’t know you were…um …blind.’” 

The man smiled “Stephen Richards, nice to meet you. I do need a bit of help.

I planned to pick up my watch from the shop here on Booth Avenue. They moved the bus stops; the sidewalks are a mess and I’m completely disoriented. My navigator tool is on my watch that is being repaired. I came in here because your door was first one that I found open”. He paused and then turned toward Sylvia: “I wonder, could you or your husband spare a few minutes to come out on the street to orient me, please?”

Slowly and in perfect unison, Sylvia and Isaac turned to look at Norah.  She nodded “yes” and stepped forward: “Hello, Mr. Richards. My name is Norah. I’m employed here. Perhaps I can help you.” 

At the sound of Norah’s voice, Stephen felt every particle of stress and worry leaving his body and mind.  A heavenly a blend of Ella Fitzgerald, Adele, Kathleen Turner and every other beautiful voice or sound he had ever heard. He stood up and extended his hand in her direction.  They shook hands.  His hand was large and gentle and hers was soft and small. Stephen inhaled deeply and so did Norah. She felt giddy and faint.   

“If Isaac and Sylvia will permit me, I can help you get to your watch repair shop. I know exactly where it is.”  Norah giggled (something she rarely did).  Stephen was entranced. He was floating on a cloud.  This wasn’t love at first sight, it was love at first sound and touch.

Norah struggled to maintain her composure “Normally it would be a 20-minute walk to get there but with obstacle course. of construction, it will take longer.” 

Stephen didn’t intend to say anything but suddenly blurted out “I don’t mind how long it takes.”

“Take your time,” said Sylvia

“We probably won’t be busy today” added Isaac. As Norah and Stephen stepped out of the store on to the sidewalk, Norah noticed that Isaac was spying on them.from the store.

Stephen took Norah’s arm and they began to walk. She seemed to know instinctively how to walk with him, warning him of steps up and down without puling or pushing; she was a natural. 

They reached the watch repair shop but Norah knew that he would not let her go yet.  Instead, Stephen walked with her to the front door of the store. Isaac, this time with Sylvia  bolted , from sight when he  saw Norah.

 Norah insisted on seeing Stephen onto to the bus.  While they waited, they agreed to have dinner together the following evening.  That seemed like an eternity.

As they stood together smiling and waiting for the bus, Stephen asked “By the way, what is it hat you sell in that store?

Norah giggled again, “We sell mirrors.”

“I don’t have much use for mirrors”. Stephen chuckled. 

Norah considered how her life had changed so suddenly and miraculously 

“I don’t have much. use for mirrors either.”