Gemotions

The glow of the laptop screen cast elongated shadows across the living room. Sarah’s fingers, suddenly clumsy, fumbled with the mouse. She hadn't meant to stumble upon it, a stray notification that popped up. Now, a pit had formed in her stomach.

Her daughter, Emily, was supposed to be asleep. A quick glance at the closed bedroom door was enough to confirm that. Still, this online persona, this other life, felt like an accusation, a veiled threat she didn't know how to handle.

A tremor ran through her, leaving her suddenly cold. She clicked on the profile. Every post, every comment, felt like a slap in the face. She wanted to scream, to wake Emily up and demand answers. But what if this was just a phase?