Seventh Month
It’s something about the mirrors.
Every place has stories about some part being haunted. Students say it’s the squash toilet and the dance studio. Old men will swear up and down that weird sounds come from the coffee shop toilet. Any army boy can tell you that there is always one closet that can never be opened in a bunk, and that you should never go to the toilet alone at night.
The common thing about all these so-called haunted places, is that there are mirrors.
Now, it might just be that it’s spooky and old. Sometimes people jump at their own shadows in places they’re not familiar with. They might not be really haunted. Maybe it’s just that light catches in odd places for obvious reasons so, people think there must be something up. People do get jittery at night after all.
But sometimes, there is a basis to the rumours.
There’s a good reason for the mirrors to be covered. Mirrors reflect everything, but the opposite way. You see everything you ought to see in mirrors. Mirrors are windows and doors.
So when you see things that you don’t expect in mirrors, you shouldn’t turn around. If people that you don’t know suddenly appear behind you in mirrors where you were absolutely certain you were alone, don’t turn around, don’t make sudden movements, don’t shout. Just politely nod, and go about your business. And leave calmly.
The same applies to shadows. Sometimes, a shadow will be cast behind you as you walk from the MRT to the bus stop, when you’re alone. The immediate temptation is to turn around and look, because it really might just be you. If not for the fact the shadow looks nothing like you. Don’t turn around, and keep walking forward. Feel the wind at your back and know that you really, definitely, shouldn’t turn around.
So now, when you walk past old construction sites, and other dark places during the Seventh Month, just remember to stay calm and walk on. And be polite. Nod and if necessary, offer the food you have on hand. If you’re out at night and hear strange sounds and see strange things and smell strange smells, just remember that the Gate is open and that the beings behind the Gate are not meant to be questioned or understood.
