Gemotions

The phone vibrated in her hand, a frantic little pulse of betrayal. Emily's stomach twisted. All this time, she'd thought they were communicating. They talked, they laughed, they went to movies together. And here it was – a hidden life, a whole world she wasn't invited to.

She paced the living room, the rug’s pattern blurring under her feet. Her hands were cold. Her daughter, Chloe, had been so secretive lately. She’d chalked it up to teenage angst, to a natural distance. But this felt like a brick wall. Taking a deep breath, she decided to send a text.