Gemotions

Michael leaned back in his worn armchair, the afternoon sun warming his face. He'd just finished a delicious lunch of his favourite cheese and tomato sandwich. The dog, Buster, was snoring softly at his feet, and the house felt peaceful. His daughter, Emily, was out with her friends, so he had the house all to himself.

He closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the gentle ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. It was moments like these that made him feel content. He picked up the remote and flicked through the channels, landing on a documentary about space exploration.

His phone buzzed. It was a notification from Emily's tablet, which he had linked to his account for security. Another app had been installed - an unknown social media platform. He felt a slight tightening in his stomach, quickly dismissed. Teenagers and social media, they were as common as the morning sun.