Gemotions

The glow from the laptop screen cast a flickering light across Sarah's face as she scrolled. Her fingers, usually clumsy, danced across the trackpad with a newfound dexterity. It was her daughter, Emily’s, computer, and she’d been meaning to check it for months. A feeling of lightness filled her chest as she finally found the hidden account. Photos, filtered and vibrant, showed a girl she barely recognized - hair styled differently, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. A nervous giggle escaped her, quickly followed by a breathless exhale.

The comments. God, the comments. Flattery, emojis, little hearts. Sarah felt a warmth bloom in her cheeks, a flush that spread down her neck. She hadn’t felt this… interested in something in ages. Her pulse quickened. She zoomed in on a photo, a close-up of Emily's eyes, and felt a tiny jolt in her stomach. She felt herself leaning in closer, the scent of lavender from the diffuser filling her senses.

She pulled the computer closer. It wasn't Emily anymore. It was a projection. She was seeing something new. Something raw.