Gemotions

The thumbs fumbled, a tremor running down Elara's arm. She’d been typing to her sister, sending a photo of the newly bloomed roses, and somehow, the message had gone to “Dad – Rehab.” Her chest tightened. He'd been struggling. Now, a picture of frivolous beauty, of thriving life, must arrive in his sterile world.

She stared at the screen, heart hammering. Her fingers again tapped at the phone. She needed to tell him. "Just saw these roses. Thinking of you." It was clumsy, insufficient. But what else could she send? She quickly typed a reply, “Are you feeling okay today?” She waited, praying for a reply. Her breath caught in her throat.