Do you often talk to yourself in the mirror?. Is that your inner voice trying to guide you? Michael explores in Face to Face.

First published in Ariel Chart and later in an anthology.

"Face to Face" explores Michael's internal conflict after he impulsively confesses his love to his partner. Retreating to his bathroom, the protagonist engages in a metaphorical dialogue with "Mike," a reflection of himself in the mirror, who challenges his fears of commitment and past heartbreaks. The story highlights Michael's anxiety regarding vulnerability and the potential consequences of his words within his social circle. Ultimately, the tension resolves when his partner, Melinda, appears and reciprocates his feelings, rendering his internal panic unnecessary.

This short story serves as a character study on emotional insecurity and the strug ...