24: Reflections

As Aurora regains strength, the Starmaker hurries her to deliver Tilly’s gift. On the way, a living portrait shifts from snow to blinding sun, prompting the Starmaker to admit he once chose monotony and withheld new experiences. Aurora resolves to live the role of Starmaker on her own terms.

In the garden, they present Tilly a looking glass. Initially distraught, Tilly learns it reflects whatever stands before it and recognizes her sparkling snow form. Encouraged to use it whenever she feels lost, Tilly calls it the best gift she’s ever received, moving both Aurora and the Starmaker.

The Starmaker then leads Aurora up a long tower. In a cramped room of misfired enchantments, a mirror briefly embarrasses her by speaking her thoughts aloud. He guides her onto a balcony lined with massive mirrors aimed toward Reverie.

He reveals the mirrors are aligned to reflect light down to Aurora’s cottage, with a distant glimmer from an additional mirror placed there as a “hello” to her family. Grateful and overwhelmed, Aurora struggles for words and accidentally whispers, “I might love you,” which he does not acknowledge, apparently not hearing.

They agree she will write home to report any benefit. The Starmaker admits he made the system while she was ill, not merely as distraction but to ease her burden. In his private reflection, he recognizes her confession and, knowing her fear of grief and his mortality, worries, “I might ruin you.”