Gemotions

The tiny script on the phone’s screen blurred as Amelia stared at the posts. Her daughter, Chloe, was sharing things, jokes, fears, with strangers. Things she never shared with her mother. A lump formed in Amelia’s throat, making it difficult to breathe.

She remembered all the times Chloe had withdrawn, the closed doors, the mumbled excuses. Amelia should have persisted, should have pressed. Now, looking at the vibrant, expressive life her daughter had built, she felt a profound sense of… something.

Amelia switched off the phone and leaned back against the counter. She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself. The smell of dinner, which she'd started to make, was suddenly nauseating.