Kuchisake Onna stared at her reflection in the still pond water. She smiled. No one could resist her beauty. “What are you looking at?” Her husband’s voice sent a chil1 through her. She wasn’t expecting him for a few more days. Kuchisake Onna smeared her reflection with a swipe of a hand and turned to her husband. “I was just washing up.” He towered over her still dressed in his Samurai armor. “I am sure you were.” Her husband turned and walked toward their home just outside of the village next to a small pond and several cherry trees. She stood and looked down at the pond one more time. A small ripple distorted her face. She frowned and headed to the house. Marrying a Samurai was supposed to be an honor, but she felt no honor in being his wife any longer. She dreaded his returns from battle and hoped each time he would never come back. He wasn’t a cruel man. His love ran deep and he was always kind and gentle to her. Once she removed her husband’s armor, he unsheathed his katana and twisted it in his hands. “This sword has taken many souls from this world. He glared at her. “Tell me … how many?” Kuchisake Onna was thrown by his question. She stumbled for a second. “What?” He took a step closer to her. “How many have you been with while I have been gone?” How did he know, she thought? “I have been with no one.” “My wife is a liar.” He moved closer. “One more chance.” Fear filtered into every muscle. “You disgrace me.” “No, you have dishonored me.” He raised his arm with the sword and swiped in her direction. “Your beauty is no longer.” Her husband sheathed his Kitana and left her on the floor. When you walk the streets alone at night, you may be visited by Kuchisake Onna. If you are, your fate has already been sealed. Kuchisake Onna will ask you, “am I beautiful?” Think before you answer. Your life will depend on it. Your first answer may help stave her momentarily until she takes off her mask and asks again. “Am I still beautiful.” What do you say now? Be careful. She’s quicker than you. Who will escape Kuchisake Onna and who will fall into her curse?