Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down David's temple as he stared at the screen. His son, Liam, had been so closed off lately. Now, David knew why. The account, hidden behind a fake name, revealed a Liam he didn't recognize. Bold, confident, surrounded by friends who seemed to adore him.

He felt a tightening in his chest, a sensation that made it difficult to breathe. The pictures of parties, of late-night adventures, made his own life, filled with work and responsibility, appear dull and monotonous. He clicked through the videos, each one a slap in the face.

David slammed his laptop shut, the abrupt action echoing in the quiet study. He paced, his hands clenched into fists, the room suddenly feeling too small. He grabbed his keys. He needed air. He needed to escape the suffocating feeling.