Incognito

Having just stepped out of the shower, I was putting my face on in front of the mirror. Holden wanted to go downstairs, but I didn't want him down there unsupervised because he has a habit of getting into trouble. He said,"Okay, I'm just gonna go in my room." Then, as he walked out of the bathroom, said,"I'll shut the door." Nice try. I was on to him. To this kid, the word "no" is simply a challenge. "Shut the door" is code for "I'm sneaking down the stairs anyway." So I said,"Oh, no. Leave it. I like the cross breeze."

I went back to working in front of the mirror. I could see him through the reflection pacing back and forth in the hall, watching me. This went on for a couple of minutes.

The bathroom also opens into the master bedroom, so I walked through to my room. I could see Holden in the reflection of a mirror in the room, only he didn't know that. He thought this was his chance. He bolted for the stairs, but then I quickly turned my head towards him. He did a quick turn around, and acted cool, like he was just chillin' in the hall.

He paced around some more, watching my every move, but soon disappeared. I assumed he got bored and moved on. What a fool I was. Next thing I know, I see him moving down the stairs like this: