Gemotions

The knot in Susan’s stomach tightened with each passing scroll. Her daughter, Olivia, had carefully concealed this from her, and Susan felt betrayed. The photos, the comments, the whole carefully crafted illusion… it made her feel like she had failed. A bitter taste coated her tongue.

She waited until Olivia was in the kitchen, making herself a snack. “Olivia,” Susan began, her voice controlled. “Can you tell me about… this?” She held up her tablet, the screen displaying the hidden profile.

Olivia froze, her hand halfway to the cereal box. Her face flushed, and she avoided Susan's gaze. "I… I can explain," she stammered, her voice barely audible. Susan waited, her arms crossed, her expression stern, and said nothing.