Gemotions

The house smelled of glue and paper, a scent that used to be a comfort to Clara. The aroma now felt suffocating. Her daughter, Maya, had transformed the spare bedroom into a miniature paper-crafting haven. Every surface was covered with origami creations, intricate paper flowers, and detailed paper animals.

Clara stood in the doorway, the back of her neck prickling. This had started innocently enough, a few simple projects. Now, it was all Maya did.

"Honey, perhaps you should… maybe try something different today?" Clara asked, her throat suddenly dry. Maya didn't look up, her fingers flying over a delicate crane.