Gemotions

The bathroom mirror reflected a face that looked back at him, aged by worry. John stared at the phone in his hand, the screen displaying the incriminating profile. It wasn’t just a secret account, it was a gateway into a world he didn't comprehend.

He felt a sudden, sharp pain behind his eyes. He leaned against the cool tiles of the wall, breathing deeply. The small, tiled room suddenly seemed impossibly small. The thought of confronting his son, Ethan, filled him with dread.

He ran the water, splashing his face. He felt exposed, vulnerable, as if the secrets were somehow a reflection of his own shortcomings. He reached for a towel, his movements quick and jerky. He had to prepare himself.