Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air, but Claire barely noticed. Her attention was focused on the phone, the account, the words. Her daughter, Olivia, had never seemed so distant, so secretive. Now, the mask was gone.

A tight knot formed in her chest. She found herself clutching her own arms, hugging herself. She stood up, paced. It felt as if someone had drained all the oxygen from the room. She felt a compelling urge to do something, anything, to break the spell.

She walked towards the door, then turned around, then walked back to the phone. The need to understand was overpowering. She had to know. The house felt empty, yet buzzing with unspoken questions.