Gemotions

The phone felt heavy in Elena's hand. She’d dialed her sister, the tremor in her fingers betraying her unease. On the coffee table lay another of Maya’s drawings: a grotesque figure, all sharp angles and unsettling shadows. It was the face. The same one that haunted Elena’s dreams for years after their parents' divorce.

“Did Maya mention anything about… a friend?” Elena asked, her voice hushed, struggling to keep her composure. She could hear the rustle of papers on the other end.

Her sister’s voice, a moment later, was laced with confusion. “No? Why? Is everything alright?”

Elena's throat constricted, making the question difficult. “Just… just wondering.” She ended the call, leaving the phone on the table. She ran a hand through her hair, and felt as if every hair was standing on end.