Page 228 of Naughty Nelle

Slowly, I raise the mirror to my face. My heart hammers with apprehension.

I gasp as I meet my own eyes. My face looks fuller with my short hair, and I’ve got not just one freckle, but many. I even have a few fine lines.

As I study my reflection, the shock dies down. Actually, I don’t look that bad with my hair this length. It brings out my high cheekbones and wide-set eyes. I could get used to it. And I could probably cover up the freckles and lines with some makeup. I risk a smile. And my reflection smiles back.

“Jane, who do you see?” asks Shrink.

What is this? Some kind of trick question? “Me!” I snap.

“Yes, Jane, when you stand up close to a mirror, you are the whole universe.”

Where is she going with this?

“Now, we’re going to play a game.”

Not another one of her stupid games! Doesn’t she know how eager I am to go home?

“I want you to move the mirror away from you about a foot.”

Fine. I’ll do anything to get out of here. I extend my arm. Magically, the freckles and fine lines disappear.

“Now, who else do you see?” asks Shrink, hovering behind me.

“I can see you.”

“Yes, Jane. You are no longer the only one in the universe. Now, move the mirror further away from you, and tell me what else you see.”

“I see the wall clock,” I say after moving the mirror another foot away from me. For the first time, I notice the hands don’t move. The clock can chime, but it can’t tell time. No wonder Shrink’s always late.

“Yes, Jane, the further away you are, the more you discover.”

I’m shocked by the results of her little experiment. I don’t know what to say.

Flying halfway around my head to face me, she continues her lecture.

“Interestingly, a mirror can be a gateway to the world around you. A tool for learning and growing. But if used incorrectly, it can be an instrument for evil.”

I process what she’s saying. It’s a lot of information.

“Jane, by connecting with other people at Faraway, you’ve traveled beyond yourself, beyond the close-up in your mirror.”

All at once, memories of all the people I’ve connected with at Faraway swirl around in my head. My best friends Elz and Winnie who were always there for me. Kind Rump. Sweet Pinocchio. Even full-of-himself Hook and nasty Sasperilla. Good times and bad times. We’ve been through so much together. Swamped with emotion, I sob.

Still holding the mirror at a distance, I watch the tears roll down my face. I’ve never seen myself cry. I am a different person. I snap the locket shut.

Shrink helps me brush away my tears. “You must continue your journey when you return to the land of fairy tales.”

“I’m not fully recovered?” I sniffle.

“Jane, the road is long, and there’s still a distance to go. You must find the true meaning of beauty.”

“How do I do that?” I ask, my throat burning.

“All I will tell you is that beauty is not in your face. It is a light inside your heart.”

I fidget with the locket. Her words make no sense to me.

“Our time’s almost up. Is there anything you’d like to ask me?”

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