Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, warming Amelia's face as she sipped her coffee. She felt… lighter. Today was the day she was finally going to tackle the garden. Years of neglect had left it a jungle. She stretched, her muscles singing with anticipation. A gentle knock on the door, and her daughter, Chloe, appeared, looking unusually flustered. “Mom, can I… borrow your phone?” Amelia raised an eyebrow. Something was off.

Chloe’s eyes darted around the room, avoiding Amelia’s gaze. “I, uh… need to check something for school.” Amelia handed over the device. As Chloe frantically typed, Amelia’s own curiosity piqued. She glanced at the screen, saw the familiar blue icon of a social media app, and her heart skipped a beat. A profile name she didn't recognize. "Everything okay, honey?" she asked, her voice calm.

Chloe stammered, “Yeah, everything’s fine!” She handed the phone back with a forced smile and quickly retreated. Amelia felt a surge of… something. A curiosity, a mild excitement, a desire to understand. The garden would have to wait. She had a new project.