46. Missed Call

Written by EvantheNerd83

Author's Note: I do not own Star Vs The Forces of Evil. Daron Nefcy and Disney Television do.

In this story, a mother's fear is justified.

"Call Star," Moon said, and the interdimensional mirror started to ring.

She wrapped her arms around herself. It was unbearably cold in the castle, even though there were candles lit everywhere.

The servants must have used old sticks.

The mirror was still ringing, the screen covered in static.

Moon frowned.

It didn't usually take this long to establish a connection. And Star couldn't have been sleeping. Earth Time moved faster than Mewni Time. It was probably early morning on her side already.

So, why wasn't she answering?

Did something happen?

A familiar feeling licked Moon's cheek. Fear. Motherly concern.

Moon shook her head.

Paranoia.

Just her nerves. Her adult imagination.

Nothing was wrong.

Star was fine.

But then, why had she called her several times over the course of the night?

"Mom?"

The static broke, its buzzing and crackling interrupted by a single word.

One word. But one word enough.

Moon felt relief washing over her. A smile flashed across her face.

"Star?"

"Mom?"

Her daughter's voice bled through the chaos, but the screen remained a mess. The connection was weak and unstable.

Moon coughed.

"Star, a-are you okay?"

She needed to know.

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

"Mom?"

Her smile faltered. She couldn't help but feel like something was wrong.

Something.

But she didn't know what.

"Star, honey, can you hear me?"

"Yes," the voice changed, turning flat and cold and unlike her daughter's. Moon stepped back.

"I can."

The static died. The screen went dark.

"But she didn't."