Believed to have been purchased at the Co-operative supermarket in Bowmore during a £5 off promotional event circa 2018. The transaction took approximately four minutes, including time spent locating a basket.
Capsule intact. Label showing minor wear consistent with age. Fill level: high shoulder.
During an inspection, the bottle was carried past a mirror. No reflection was observed. A second mirror was sourced from a nearby room. No reflection was observed. A third mirror was purchased. No reflection was observed. Results were consistent. This was not the outcome anyone had been hoping for.
Three institutions were contacted for comment. Two did not reply. The third replied promptly but asked to be removed from future correspondence.
The consignor has asked that the sale be concluded before the next full moon.
On three separate nights I have been discovered standing in front of the cabinet in which the bottle is securely stored, apparently having walked there from my bed. I have no recollection of these episodes.
I consulted my GP, who suggested I reduce my caffeine intake. With respect, I do not believe caffeine is the issue.
Frankly, I do not wish to sell this bottle.
But I must.
He requires it.
He demands it.
I am merely the vessel through which it will pass to its next keeper.
—
Apologies. I'm not sure what came over me there. As I was saying: excellent condition, sensibly priced, free local delivery available on request (subject to lunar cycle).
The following statement was submitted by the consignor and is reproduced here in full at their insistence. One passage has been removed. Our lawyers would not tell us why. They seemed relieved for some reason.
I write to you from circumstances which I shall not fully describe, save to say that I am no longer entirely at liberty to retain this bottle within my household.
It has been a companion of sorts. These things, objects which take on a life beyond their station, can become good friends to a man over many years and afford him many hours of pleasure.
Alas, this one has not.
I pray you will forgive me that I cannot speak more plainly. I have dwelt already on more of this matter than I care to recount, and I do not linger further.
I love the shade and the shadow, and would be alone with my thoughts when I may. This bottle does not permit me that peace. It requires an audience. My full and constant attention, which I regret to say I cannot give, for I am a man with many important affairs in hand.
I ask only that you proceed with the utmost expedition.
Pray do not let courtesy or hesitation delay you.
Come freely. Go safely.
But would that that were all.
(Name withheld at their request. Location withheld at ours.)
"The absence of a mirror reflection is, to my knowledge, without precedent in the literature. I am not in the business of speculating wildly. I cannot say with certainty that this bottle is haunted. What I can say, with certainty, is that I no longer believe in mirrors."