Gemotions

The smell of burnt toast hung heavy in the air. Sarah glared at the charred remains, a perfect metaphor for her day. Her daughter, Maya, claimed to be at a study group, but the secret account showed otherwise. A series of carefully crafted selfies, parties, and flirtatious exchanges.

She slammed the toaster down on the counter. The loud noise was a burst of release. Sarah's hands clenched into fists. A smile played on Maya’s face whenever she talked about her future plans. She envisioned a future that Sarah was not a part of. The future was something that she was not invited to.

She thought of the years she had poured into raising Maya, the sacrifices she had made. Now, it felt like she was simply a supporting character, an extra in the drama of her daughter’s life. The toast was a waste. Just like her time, apparently.