Gemotions

The smell of burnt solder stung Sarah’s nostrils. Her workbench, once her refuge, was now littered with her daughter, Chloe’s, electronic projects. Ham radio, a passion of hers for decades, had become Chloe’s consuming interest. Now she knew more about code and communication than Sarah.

She retreated to the garden, the vibrant blooms offering little solace. Chloe's chatter, once a source of pride, now grated on her nerves. She felt a rising tide of discomfort.

Sarah sat on the bench, watching the butterflies flit amongst the flowers, the silence amplifying the thrumming in her ears. She missed the solitude, the quiet joy she used to find in the hum of her own equipment. She didn't know how she was going to navigate this.