Gemotions

Her breath came in shallow gasps. The account, filled with elaborate makeup tutorials and provocative quotes, was a punch to the gut. It was her son, Daniel, but not. He seemed completely changed, almost unrecognizable.

She felt a physical ache, a tightness in her chest. She had assumed he was content, quietly pursuing his art. She'd been so sure. Now, she felt a profound sense of failure, a feeling of having somehow utterly missed the point.

Caroline gripped the counter, knuckles white. The kitchen, usually a source of comfort, now seemed filled with an oppressive silence. The scent of last night’s dinner lingered, a stark reminder of the normalcy she no longer felt.