Shadows of the Past

Sofía found Elena tending to her small, overgrown garden, the late afternoon sun casting long, skeletal shadows across the weathered stone cottage. The air hung thick with the scent of damp earth and something else, something vaguely medicinal, like dried herbs. Elena, her face a roadmap of wrinkles, her eyes the color of faded denim, looked up as Sofía approached, a gentle, knowing smile gracing her lips. It was a smile that held the weight of years, of sights seen and secrets kept.

“Sofía,” Elena’s voice was a low murmur, like leaves rustling in a forgotten breeze. “I expected you.”

Sofía’s heart gave a nervous flutter. She hadn’t told anyone she was coming here. “How did you know?”