Gemotions

"No, no, no," whispered Carol, her voice barely audible. She'd found a second Instagram account belonging to her daughter, Jessica, filled with selfies she'd never seen before, and messages she wasn't privy to. The girl's usual cheerful demeanor felt like a mask, now.

Carol pressed her palm against her forehead, her head throbbing. Her vision swam. The vibrant colors of the pictures became muted, the words a blur. She felt a profound disconnect, as if she were viewing a stranger’s life.

She moved slowly, like a sleepwalker, the silence of the house becoming oppressive. She felt an overwhelming sense of isolation. The air grew thick, heavy with unspoken things, and she wondered how she could ever bridge the chasm that had suddenly opened between them.