Gemotions

Liam was pacing, the cheap linoleum cold under his bare feet. He'd stumbled upon it late last night, a carefully crafted persona online. His son, Ethan, usually so reserved, was transformed. The posts pulsed with a passion Liam had never witnessed.

He reread the comments, the likes, the emojis. He felt a nervous flutter in his chest, a jolt of excitement he hadn't experienced in years. This secret world, this unveiled version of his son, was like a hidden treasure.

He almost wanted to tell someone, but the secret was too precious. The mornings were brighter now. Liam found himself listening more intently when Ethan spoke, searching for clues, for connections between the virtual and the real. He was invested, utterly and completely.