Gemotions

The flickering screen illuminated Amelia’s face as she scrolled through the fake profile. Her daughter, Chloe, was “ChloeBlueSky17” online. The bio mentioned things like "loves sunsets" and "aspiring photographer," a stark contrast to the sullen teenager who rarely spoke to Amelia these days. A rush of… something… surged through her. She felt like she could leap across the living room and tackle the world.

Amelia’s jaw tightened. She had to understand. Chloe had been withdrawn for months, a closed book. Now, here was a secret chapter, and Amelia was going to read it. She slammed the laptop shut, the metallic clang echoing in the silent house. She would have to confront Chloe. Now.

She found Chloe in her room, hunched over her phone, face illuminated by the same cold light Amelia had just been staring at. Amelia took a deep breath. She’d do what needed to be done.