Gemotions

Sarah’s fingers trembled as she scrolled through the unfamiliar profile. Her daughter, Chloe, had always been so open, so trusting. Now, this… this meticulously curated feed filled with glamorous selfies and cryptic captions, was a universe she knew nothing about. A cold dread crept into her chest, squeezing it tight. She felt a growing unease.

She’d stumbled upon it by accident, a suggested friend on her own account. Sarah had clicked, half-curious, half-bored, expecting to see a friend of a friend. Instead, Chloe stared back, a Chloe she barely recognised. It was like staring into a funhouse mirror reflection of her own child.

“Chloe?” Sarah’s voice was a whisper as she walked into the living room, Chloe was texting on her phone, and she looked up, instantly on guard. "Why didn't you tell me about this profile?"