Ouija 2022

 So many people were making such a big thing of the Ouija board.

Especially people online posting their paranormal investigations where some teams used the spirit board to communicate with whatever energy was haunting the space where the research (not really) was taking place. So, I went and bought one just to see what the big deal was. But, really, when I saw it on the shelf at the toy store, I was surprised to know that it was made by the Hasbro toy company. So, it's a novelty, perhaps? But, removing the board from the box, I felt nothing unusual, nor did I feel strange. The instructions were straightforward, lightly place your fingers on the planchette and ask the question. If the planchette moves, be calm and await the answer; if not, keep trying. I asked the standard questions, "Is anyone here? What is your name?" I was pleasantly surprised at the replies. 

"Yes," was the first answer, and the second was strange. It spelled out the letters "Y-O-U." 

That was a perplexing answer." So you're saying that your name is Y-O-U, or are you saying that you are me?" I asked. 

"Y-E-S," it spelled. 

"Yes, what?" I asked. "Is that your name, or are you saying that you are me?"

"Y-O-U," it answered, "I-AM-Y-O-U."

This was utterly ridiculous and childish. I put the board back in its box and busied myself by preparing dinner. Afterward, I drove to the store to get the things I needed to prepare my lunch bento for the following day. By the time I was ready for bed, I had just come from the bathroom after washing my face. I could see that in the middle of my forehead, I had the makings of a skin tag. Ugh, that's the last thing I needed. And this splotch on my right cheek just beneath my eye, somedays it doesn't bother me, but on other days it is just there making itself so evident to me and anyone who sees it. Sigh. 

~

The following morning I was up and ready to go. I was exhausted for some reason. Perhaps because I had such a fitful sleep, tossing and turning. I moved slow, taking my time, knowing that I had to prepare for work. I went straight to the shower and doused myself with cold water to avoid sludging my way around the apartment. I had to get another job that didn't just take and take and drain the life out of me. I dabbed a drop of the facing washing cream in my hand and rubbed it on my cheeks and my forehead. I let it sit for a minute before turning on the warm water and washing it off. 

~

I don't know what to do, and frankly, I think I've lost my mind. I really have. It's been only two days, but I've locked myself in the apartment and blocked any reflective surface I could find. When I couldn't accept it, I called my sister to come over, and she nearly knocked my block off. She called me crazy and threatened to call the police. I don't know what to do. I really don't. That face in the mirror and every reflective surface? It's not mine. It's someone else pretending to be me, but they're using my body and life to pass themselves off as me. Me!

Photo credit: The Guardian.