Gemotions

The information slammed into Richard like a physical blow. His son, Jake, was cultivating a persona online that was completely different from the boy he knew at home. A sense of alienation, sharp and cold, washed over him. He felt disconnected from his own son.

He closed the laptop, the sudden darkness a stark contrast to the glowing screen. He sat in his chair, staring out the window. The trees in the backyard seemed to mock him with their leafy abundance.

Later that evening, Jake came downstairs. "Can I borrow the car, Dad?" he asked casually. Richard stared at him. He noticed every detail: the way he stood, the way he held himself. He felt a wave of icy disapproval wash over him.