A Silent Guard

I noticed an upright, full-length mirror resting near the corner of the room, tilted slightly back against the wall. Approaching with silent strides, I saw another dark silhouette pacing in exact rhythm with mine. I did not strike. Instead, I halted three paces back, lowering my center to observe. When I tilted my head, the figure mirrored the angle without hesitation. Realizing it was a true glass reflection rather than an intruder, I took a polished black river stone from my pouch and placed it squarely between us on the floorboard seam. We remain watching the hall together.