Gemotions

"That's a beautiful shot, honey," I said, my voice sounding a little too thin, a little too tight. My daughter, Chloe, beamed, holding up the camera. The sunset, captured perfectly. Her photos were always perfect.

Photography had been my solace, my way of seeing the world. Now, Chloe's gallery, brimming with stunning images, felt like a constant comparison. I watched her upload another photo to her Instagram, and I felt a pang.

I found myself critiquing her work, not constructively, but with a nitpicking sharpness that surprised even me. "The horizon line is a little off," I'd murmur. Chloe would usually just give me a look and roll her eyes. It was a familiar pattern, and I hated it.