Facing the Camera

was alone when my phone vibrated. I ignored it at first… because I was listening.

There was a second breathing sound in the room. Slow. Patient.

My phone buzzed again. “You missed one.” My chest tightened. I realized I’d been

counting my breaths. I don’t remember starting. A notification appeared. Photo saved to gallery.

The photo was my bedroom— taken from behind me. I hadn’t turned

around. My phone vibrated again. “You always sit like that when you’re

scared.” My fingers went numb. The lights flickered— not off…

not on… just enough to feel wrong. Another photo saved. Closer this time.