Gemotions

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. He felt as if a fist had slammed into his gut, stealing his breath. Years of sleepless nights worrying about his son, and this was the thanks he got? He wanted to smash something, anything.

He ripped the phone from the charger, his hand trembling. The glow of the screen illuminated his face, a mask of disbelief and betrayal. He found himself pacing in his home office, hands clenching and unclenching.

"He thinks he can keep secrets from me?" he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with venom. He wanted to confront his son immediately, but the impulse to protect him, even now, warred within him.