Gemotions

The coffee tasted like ash in Emily’s mouth. She set the mug down with a clatter, the sound jarring in the overly bright kitchen. The discovery of her daughter, Lily's, secret TikTok account had left her feeling...unsettled.

She stared out the window, at the vibrant green of the lawn, a stark contrast to the darkness that had settled in her heart. Lily had always been so open, so communicative. This hidden space felt like a betrayal.

A cold shiver ran down her spine, despite the warmth of the sun. The thought of confronting Lily, of the inevitable questions and the potential for conflict, caused a knot to form in her throat. She dreaded it.