by Norman A. Rubin

Created on: January 09, 2009

When you look into a mirror you do not see your reflection - your reflection sees you. - Japanese proverb)

Something weird had happened in my life a few years back. A strange man in his elder years had moved into my house. He just entered with bag and baggage without even uttering if you please'. I had no idea at first to the identity of this stranger, where he came from, or how he entered, but all I know that he is residing in my house at the present moment. One day he wasn't there and the next day the sight of an elder pensioner was seen through my dimming vision. I did not invite him to my house at that time. He was not a welcomed guest; but there he was roaming through the rooms following every step I take; he is still tracking my footsteps at this very hour.

The following days even years he appeared momentarily in my sight; every point of time his appearance changed a bit with an added wrinkle to his face, a slight bent to his back and now with a cane in a brown flecked hand.

He is a clever chap and he manages to keep out my sight for the most part, but whenever I pass the mirrors through my residence, I would get a glimpse of him. Whenever I looked into the bathroom mirror to groom myself there he would be hogging the whole view, completely obliterating my rather mature yet handsome face and part of my onetime upright body. Off course it is mighty rude of him. I look at him sternly and told him in no uncertain words to go away from my sight. But, all he does in return is to mimic my actions.

Well I had enough of this gentleman's entrance into my life. At least he could offer to share in the paying of taxes, the many utility bills, and the rest of the expenses in the upkeep of the house, but no. Yet this elder tries once in a while tries to heed my request: I would find either dollar bill or two tucked in one of my coat pockets or some loose change scattered under the sofa's cushions. But, that isn't enough, no siree!

I don't want to come any sort of conclusions, but I have a feeling that this chap is stealing from me. For example, a couple of day ago, I had withdrawn the sum of a hundred dollars from the automatic bank teller and now I find it all gone. Now, I certainly do not spend money that fast, so I have come to the assumption that this boyo is pilfering from me. At least he could spend part of the money for some hair cream to keep his wispy white hair groomed.

Money is not all that is disappearing. Food, especially my favorite dishes, is vanishing at

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