Aberrations 018
Nickname: The Mirror at Riverbend
Danger Ranking: 5.B
First Reported: 1981-05-14 — Abandoned Farmhouse near Riverbend, WA

Summary:
Aberrations 018, referred to as The Mirror at Riverbend, is a full-length, antique standing mirror discovered inside a decaying farmhouse slated for demolition. The glass is coated in a tarnished mercury film that subtly shifts in texture, giving the impression that the mirror is breathing. While it reflects the environment accurately, individuals who observe their own reflection for more than 13 seconds report a deep sense of recognition—most often mistaken for nostalgia.

Upon prolonged viewing, the reflection begins to move independently of the observer, mimicking actions the subject has never performed. The mirror is non-responsive to mechanical observation and does not appear anomalous when viewed through digital means. However, recorded footage taken during activation reveals inconsistencies: the subject appears to stand still while their reflection gradually changes form, eventually becoming unrecognizable.

Known Properties:

• Individuals who observe their reflection for extended durations experience altered memories and develop false recollections of having lived alternate lives.
  
• Victims develop obsessions with finding locations or people “they remember,” many of whom do not exist.
  
• Prolonged exposure (over 90 seconds) causes reflection to exhibit autonomous movement—gesturing, smiling, mouthing unheard words.
  
• Several subjects report hearing whispers through the glass, often in their own voice but older.
  
• In at least four cases, the observer failed to exit the room. Upon investigation, the room was found empty, but their reflection remained visible, waving.
  

Containment Procedure:

• The mirror is sealed within a reinforced, sight-restricted containment cell at PARADIGM Site-09.
  
• No reflective surfaces permitted within 25 meters. Access restricted to Level 4 personnel with psychological clearance.
  
• Mirror is kept covered at all times with lead-threaded shroud. Only removed under supervised observational experiments with Class-D proxies.
  
• Direct eye contact with the reflection must not exceed 10 seconds.
  
• Any changes to the mirror’s position or reflected content must be logged and verified through triangulated optical instruments.
  

Encounters:

1981-05-14 — Riverbend, WA: First recovery. Mirror found in upstairs bedroom. Team of three investigators all reported conflicting memories post-exposure. One entered fugue state and walked into nearby river.

1985-02-06 — Site-09: During routine rotation, security footage corrupted. Researcher later recovered in fetal position, whispering in unfamiliar dialect. Mirror removed to secondary containment.

1990-09-28 — Site-09: Reflection observed to include individuals not present in room. Audio anomalies detected on analog playback. No explanation found. Testing suspended.

Recommendation:
The Mirror at Riverbend should not be used for further psychological study. Its cognitive contamination potential exceeds previously established parameters.

Do not look at yourself in it. It knows who you are, even if you don’t.

List of Case Workers:

• Dr. Ivan Halberd (Status: Deceased, 1983)
  
• Reflection Studies Lead Maureen Keel (Status: Active)
  
• Security Officer Glen Pyke (Status: Transferred, 1986)
  
• Psych Specialist Dr. Talya Rue (Status: Active)
  
• Archivist Lyle Rosman (Status: Missing, presumed lost 1990)