Gemotions

The small, cracked phone had slipped from her hands. Now, lying face down on the kitchen counter, its screen showed a secret account belonging to her daughter, Chloe. Maria picked up the phone, her hands trembling. On the screen was a detailed and beautiful sketchbook of fashion designs.

She carefully swiped through image after image. So much talent, so much creativity. Maria felt a warmth spreading through her, a feeling she couldn't explain. She hadn't known Chloe had this passion, this burning desire to design. The girl had kept it all a secret.

Maria’s breath caught as she looked at the clothes. They were stylish, ambitious, and original. Her eyes stung with tears, but she blinked them away. The girl had kept all this so private. It made Maria's face ache with a wide smile.

She knew she couldn't say anything, not yet. She wanted to let Chloe's spark continue to grow. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to let Chloe know her mother was watching, approving.