Gemotions

The phone vibrated in Amelia's hand, a low, insistent thrum that echoed the rhythm of her racing heart. She ignored it, staring out the rain-streaked window. The grey sky mirrored her mood. She felt… stretched. Like a rubber band pulled too taut. Every shadow seemed to hold a secret, every creak of the old house was a threat.

She knew she had to answer it eventually. It rang again, and she finally picked up. Her aunt’s voice, usually a warm comfort, felt like a jarring intrusion. “There’s someone you should know about, Amelia…”

The words were gentle, but the implication was a punch to the gut. The world contracted. Her breath hitched.