2:44 AM.
Sixteen minutes left.
The thing inside the mirror tilted its head—
Exactly the way I did when I was confused.
My stomach twisted.
It wasn't just copying my movements anymore.
It was copying my habits.
Learning them.
Becoming them.
My phone vibrated again.
YOU — 2031:
"Hurry."
"I don't have anything to break it with!"
Another crack split across the glass from the inside as the thing's fingers began pressing through.
Not just touching—
Pushing.
Like the mirror had become skin.
Or a thin layer of water holding it back.
I looked around frantically.
Toothbrush.
Soap.
Plastic bucket.
Nothing.
My eyes landed on the metal shower rod.
Without thinking, I grabbed it and yanked.
It didn't move.
Another buzz.
"It's adapting to your panic."
"What does that even mean?!"
The shadow inside smiled wider.
And then—
It moved before I did.
My hand twitched.
The rod slipped from my grip.
But in the mirror—
It caught it.
My reflection's hand wrapped tightly around the rod.
Holding it.
Even though mine had already let go.
I staggered back, breath shaking.
"No… no, no, no…"
It was faster now.
Reacting before me.
Anticipating.
My wrist burned again.
06:16:03:52
The timer was skipping faster.
Minutes turning into seconds.
Seconds into nothing.
YOU — 2031:
"Don't match its movements."
Another crack.
This one louder.
The mirror bulged outward again—
And the thing's fingers finally broke through.
They weren't bleeding.
They weren't real.
They were—
Glitching.
Like static.
Like broken pixels trying to become flesh.
It tapped the outside of the glass.
Once.
Twice.
Then placed its palm flat against it.
Lining up perfectly with mine.
My body froze.
Its lips moved again.
Clearer this time.
Stronger.
"I remember this part…"
2:52 AM.
Eight minutes.
My eyes darted to the floor—
And I saw it.
A small metal wrench near the sink.
I lunged for it.
Behind me—
The mirror made a sound.
Not cracking.
Opening.
Like a door unlocking from the inside.
My phone buzzed one last time.
YOU — 2031:
"If it touches you…
The countdown ends early."
Something cold brushed against my ankle.
From behind.