Gemotions

The flickering screen cast a green glow across David's face as he scrolled. His fingers moved with a restless energy, each tap a tiny hammer against the silence of the kitchen. He’d found the account entirely by accident, a suggested profile under his daughter, Emily’s, name. The account name – “Emo_Rocks_Forever” – sent a cold spike through his gut.

He clicked on the profile. Emily’s face stared back at him, but something was off. The makeup was heavier, the pose more defiant. He took a shaky breath, the air suddenly thick in his lungs. Pictures of her with people he didn’t recognize, dark-haired kids in ripped jeans and band t-shirts, flashed before his eyes.

He imagined her laughing, sharing secrets, becoming someone he didn’t know. His chest tightened. He slammed the laptop shut, the sound echoing in the empty room, and immediately wished he hadn't.