Gemotions

The flickering screen illuminated Amelia's face as she scrolled through the hidden profile. Her daughter, Maya, a seemingly ordinary fifteen-year-old, had a whole other life online. Amelia’s chest felt tight as she absorbed Maya’s witty posts, the inside jokes, the lavish compliments from other users. A wave of heat washed over her. She slammed the laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in the otherwise silent house.

Amelia marched upstairs, her jaw set. She found Maya in her room, sprawled on the bed, headphones on. Without a word, Amelia ripped the headphones off. Maya yelped, a look of confusion quickly morphing into irritation. “What was that for?” she demanded, her voice sharp. Amelia crossed her arms, ignoring the question.

“Who is Liam?” Amelia finally asked, her voice laced with an edge she hadn’t intended. Maya's face paled. She stammered, “What? I… I don’t know who you mean.” Amelia felt a strange knot tighten in her stomach.