Gemotions

The email notification popped up, the subject line a sharp jab: "Password Reset." Margaret reread the message, a slow burn starting in her stomach. It was from a social media platform she’d banned her son, Ben, from using. Her hand tightened around the mouse. The audacity!

She stormed into the living room, where Ben was engrossed in a video game, headphones on, oblivious. She snatched the headphones off his head with a decisive yank, the sudden movement causing him to jump. “What is the meaning of this?” she demanded, holding up her phone.

Ben, his face a mask of surprise, stammered, “What? What are you talking about?” He hadn't even had the decency to seem guilty! He met her gaze, his eyes wide and innocent, and she felt the knot in her stomach tighten another notch.