Gemotions

The wind chimes tinkled merrily on the porch, a gentle counterpoint to the gentle click of Emily's knitting needles. She sat on the porch swing, wrapped in a blanket, the evening air cool and crisp against her skin. This was her favorite time of day.

Across the street, the neighbor’s kids were playing hopscotch, their laughter echoing through the quiet neighborhood. Her own daughter, Sarah, was at a friend's house, a sleepover planned. This was supposed to be a worry-free night.

A notification on her phone, a reminder from Sarah’s school, caused her to pick up the device. She absentmindedly tapped on the messages, before catching a different message; a private Instagram account she’d never seen before.