Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room. Robert sprawled on the couch, the remote control a useless extension of his hand. His daughter, Sophie, had been withdrawn, spending hours locked in her room. He knew something was wrong. Her private Tik Tok account told the story.

He was supposed to be a good dad. He knew what he should do. He should talk to her. He should get involved. He should *care*. But the mere thought of it made him want to melt into the couch cushions. The world felt muffled, distant, and the sofa was warm and welcoming.