Gemotions

He felt his stomach twist, a familiar knot forming in the pit of his gut. Liam found the account through a forwarded message from a friend. His son, Ethan, had a second profile, one filled with photos and a tone that suggested a life he wasn't privy to. Shame washed over him, hot and prickly.

Liam usually knew everything about his son. School grades, sports teams, friend groups. He'd always prided himself on that closeness, that understanding. Now, this hidden account felt like a betrayal. His hands began to sweat.

"Ethan, can we talk?" He forced a smile, feigning a calmness he didn't feel. Ethan looked up from his video game, his expression blank. The game paused. "About your… other account."