And so I told him: "Mirrors have become so undependable . . ."

    Then I watched him. Now Mr. Gifford R. Friedman would show his true colors. Now he would either offer sympathy or—more likely—reprimand me. Isn't that always the way?

    He stood. He was about to look into the mirror. In a moment he would see the empty place where I should be. I jumped to my feet. "Don't—"