Gemotions

The discovery left Richard with a throbbing headache. His son, Alex, had a secret life online, one that completely contradicted the persona he projected to the world. It was a betrayal of trust, and the feeling was both raw and confusing. He felt a deep, twisting ache in his chest.

He found Alex in the garage, tinkering with his bike. He walked over and stood in front of him, blocking his view. “Alex,” he began, his voice raspy. "What is this?" He held up his phone, showing the profile.

Alex froze, his hands still. He stared at the screen, then at his father, his face paling. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He looked away, fiddling with a wrench, the silence stretching between them.