Gemotions

The sun beat down on the empty swing set in the backyard. The rhythmic creak of the empty swing reminded Eleanor of the day her husband died. She would sit out there with him, quietly, reading. Now, even the sun seemed to mock her. She went inside, looking for her daughter, Chloe. She’d been trying to get her to talk about school, about anything, but Chloe was always glued to her phone, silent and distant. She picked up Chloe’s phone, intending to check the weather, but the screen revealed a private Snapchat account, filled with pictures of parties, friends she didn't know, and a completely different version of Chloe.

She sank to the sofa, the phone falling from her hand. A fresh wave of tears started.