Gemotions

He had just finished a grueling workout, the sting of sweat a sign of his effort. As he stretched on the yoga mat, muscles screaming in a good way, he felt a powerful sense of accomplishment. John had been working on his fitness for months, pushing himself harder each day, and the progress was something he was proud of. He had a strong sense of self after a good workout.

Then, he heard a notification, a ping from his son, Sam's, phone that had fallen to the floor. The screen displayed a series of Snapchats. The images depicted Sam in a circle of friends, a cigarette visible. John’s breath hitched; a familiar wave of unease crashing over him.