Gemotions

The notification popped up on Eleanor’s phone: "Chloe_Rocks liked your post." Eleanor stared at the screen, heart suddenly hammering against her ribs. She didn’t recognize the name. Clicking on the profile, she found her daughter, Chloe, grinning in pictures, surrounded by faces Eleanor didn't know. The profile bio read, "Living my best life."

A wave of nausea washed over her. She felt a sudden lightness in her head, as if she were floating. Her fingers fumbled as she tried to navigate back to her own feed, as if the app was now infected.

She retreated to her bedroom, shutting the door. The familiar scent of lavender from the diffuser seemed suffocating, oppressive. She felt the urge to cry, but she pushed it down. She felt... disregarded.