Every morning for as long as you can remember, Future You has appeared in the mirror for a minute or two to give you bits of advice, encouragement, or cheer you up. Today is different - Future You is not there. Instead you see a familiar looking little boy brushing his teeth.
“Who are you?” The little boy in the mirror asked.
My breath caught, stunned. The day was finally here. That’s how time works, isn’t it?
In a weird way, I remembered this day. I remembered brushing my teeth, leaning over to spit, and looking up to see an old man looking at me in the mirror.
Am I that old? I remember seeing grey hair. I mean, there’s a little grey hair I guess. But come on. I’m only 40.
Oh shit. I have to talk.
“Hey buddy. Don’t freak out.”
“Dad!!” Younger me called out to our dad.
“No no no, shhh. Dad can’t know.” I said quickly.
Younger me wipes the mirror, I remember being him, trying to figure out if this was a dream.
“You’re not dreaming,” I said. “I’m real. This is going to sound crazy, but I’m you. From the future”
Younger me’s mouth dropped. “Woah.”
“Yeah, woah,” I agree. “Crazy shit… er. Stuff.”
Younger me giggled.
“Listen, we don’t have much time. We get two minutes, so I’ll be brief. You have to wear your blue sneakers today. I know, we hate them, but trust me. It’s how you meet Allison. You HAVE to meet Allison.”
“Uhhh okay I will.”
“Good. Also, don’t forget deodorant. And bring a breath mint.”
Understanding dawned on younger me and he giggled.
Fog started filling up the mirror, severing the connection.
Younger me called out, “when will I see you again?!”
“Tomorrow,” I said. “And everyday!”
Fog filled the mirror before I slowly started seeing my own face again.
“Until today.”









