Shadows Beneath the Sheets

The morning sun, usually a welcome sight, felt heavy as it spilled across Maya’s bedroom floor. She sat cross-legged on the bed, sketchbook open but untouched, a soft hum from the record player doing little to soothe the growing unease within her. It was then, as she adjusted a slipped sheet, that she saw it: a glint beneath the bedframe, almost hidden.

Her fingers closed around something cool and metallic. A delicate gold hoop earring. Not hers. And with a sudden, sickening jolt, she knew whose it was. Tara’s. Her sister’s. The sister who was supposedly exploring Europe.

Heart thudding, Maya walked into the kitchen, the earring clenched in her palm. Daniel, her boyfriend, stood by the counter, pouring coffee, humming along to the music. He turned, smiled, then faltered as she held up the small, damning piece of jewelry. His smile died. His eyes narrowed, just for a second. That was all she needed to see.