My Imaginary Lesbian Friend

Riley slips into the bathroom. She splashes cold water on her face, stares hard into the glass, waiting. Her heart pounds with that secret pull, drawing her back to every mirror in the house whenever she’s alone. Tonight the glass finally answers. Carter Cruise stares out at her—there, not there, flesh and heat she can’t touch, but hers all the same. Their reflections lock eyes. Riley sticks out her tongue; Carter does the same. Riley laughs, breath shaky. “Been too long,” she whispers. Carter’s lips move. “Always right here.” The smile fades. Riley leans in, desperate for the press of that mouth. The moment their lips should meet, Carter vanishes. Only Riley remains. She swears under her breath, backs into the bedroom, then catches the movement—Carter grinning from the mirror on the far wall, daring her. “Again,” Carter mouths. Riley charges the reflection, grabs hold of solid flesh instead of cold glass, and crushes her arms around Carter at last.