Superstitions (1)

«Vera?» she heard.

The voice of their neighbour woke her up. It was a middle-aged woman still in full strength. She would take care of her grandmother while Vera was away, and the latter would ensure some money was credited to her account every month.

«You've changed since last time... I could barely recognise you!» she said, hugging her tightly. «I tried contacting you, but you didn't answer... I'm so sorry, Vera.»

«W-when? When did you call?» Vera inquired while the suspicion formed in her mind.

«Yesterday afternoon.»

She had left the phone to Ethan, turned off. Then, she hadn't checked it because she had no one she wanted to stay in touch with.

If she hadn't done so... If she hadn't got rid of her phone, she might have heard the call.

«And... When...» Her voice was shaken, and she couldn't finish her sentence.