Gemotions

It happened during a rare moment of connection. Over dinner, her son had seemed almost cheerful, talking about school. Then, she saw the notification pop up on his tablet. The account was filled with photos of parties, a life far removed from their quiet suburban existence. The air felt heavy in the room.

Her appetite vanished. She picked at her food, the taste of the meal fading in her mouth. She tried to swallow but nothing was going down.

She excused herself and went to her bedroom, shutting the door. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. A deep melancholy settled over her, a feeling of disconnection that she couldn't understand.