Gemotions

"Mom, can we go to the telescope shop again?" Lily asked, her voice brimming with excitement. Sarah stared at her daughter, her usual smile strained. Astronomy had been her refuge, her escape from a demanding career. She devoured books about the stars, spent countless nights gazing through her telescope. Now, Lily, ten, wanted the same. She’d begged for a telescope of her own, and she got it.

Sarah now felt a strange tightness in her chest whenever she looked at the scope. She could barely stand the thought of going outside at night. She’d find herself inventing work commitments, saying she was tired. The clear night sky, once a source of wonder, now felt oppressive, reminding her of what she now felt she had missed.

She saw the joy on Lily's face when she talked about the planets, the constellations, the way the stars looked like a million tiny diamonds, and the feeling in her stomach worsened. She knew she should be thrilled. Instead, a desolate emptiness settled over her.