Gemotions

From her vantage point, crouching behind the sofa, Carol felt a coldness creep up her spine. Her daughter, Maya, was currently downstairs with friends, apparently oblivious to her mother's spying. Carol held the tablet, the secret account open.

The photos – posed in front of graffiti, at concerts, with a boy Carol had never seen before – painted a picture of a life she didn't know. Carol's back ached, cramped from her awkward position. She was aware of the wrinkles around her eyes, the grey hair she'd been meaning to dye.

She quickly clicked a comment. The boy's user name was "Rebel." Maya had a boyfriend. It made her feel ill. Carol slowly rose, the tablet clutched tightly in her hand. She thought about making her way down the stairs, but her feet felt heavy, as if she didn't deserve to be a part of their world.