Gemotions

The house felt quieter now. Jessica checked the account again. Her daughter, Lily, was building something, a world of her own. Jessica felt like she’d been given a key to a secret garden, her heart racing as she scrolled.

She had to remind herself to breathe. The feeling was intoxicating. She reread posts, re-examining the photos, searching for hidden meanings. A thrill shot through her every time a notification appeared.

She'd started leaving little gifts on Lily's bed. Books she thought she’d like. Small things, tokens of her affection, born from her newfound curiosity. She was the secret admirer, the shadow watcher.