Gemotions

The cold tile of the bathroom floor offered no comfort. Maya sat huddled, her arms wrapped around her legs. A tremor ran through her, shaking her entire frame. The small screen of her phone glowed in the dim light, displaying the secret account she’d found. Her daughter, Chloe, a bubbly, outgoing girl, was posting about feeling worthless.

She replayed the conversations, the smiles, the seemingly effortless ease with which Chloe navigated life. How had she missed this? How had she failed? The bathroom door felt heavy, as if it was meant to seal her in with her shame and the weight of her inadequacy.