Gemotions

The blinds were drawn in the living room, plunging the space into a dim, shadowy stillness. Maria leaned against the window frame, the glass cool against her forehead. She felt depleted, every muscle in her body protesting the day’s relentless demands. She’d stumbled upon her daughter, Sophia’s, hidden Facebook page and the realization of how much she didn’t know struck her with an immense blow.

The endless scrolling had revealed a flurry of activity: parties, a boyfriend she hadn't known about, and a series of opinions she’d never heard. A hollow emptiness spread through her chest. She needed to speak to her daughter, but the prospect seemed daunting. The task of finding the words, the energy, felt beyond her.