Gemotions

A cold dread coiled in Maya's stomach as she stared at the flashing notification. “SunshineSparkle has tagged you in a post.” The post showed a picture of the very park she’d been sitting in, a park she’d mentioned only yesterday to her online friend. Her fingers flew to her throat, tracing the rapid pulse point there.

She scanned the benches, the trees, the playground. The air felt thick, heavy. Her breath hitched. She felt oddly exposed. It was just a coincidence, of course. Lots of people frequented this park. Her gaze darted from face to face.

She hastily stuffed her phone back into her bag, the action clumsy and hurried. The rustle of the leaves above sounded like whispers. Maybe she should just leave. She took a tentative step towards the exit, then stopped, her feet rooted to the spot.