Gemotions

The hum of the refrigerator was the loudest sound in the kitchen. David stared at the half-eaten sandwich on the plate, appetite gone. He’d eaten alone for so long, the ritual had become strangely unsettling. He missed the chatter, the shared meals, the sense of connection. He just missed *her*.

He was looking for his car keys when he saw it. A phone he didn’t recognize, sitting on the kitchen counter. He looked at it, curiosity piqued. He knew it wasn’t his. It had to be his son, Jake’s. He checked the account, which was completely unknown to him.

Jake’s online persona was a whirlwind of activity, filled with images of Jake engaged in activities that David never even knew he enjoyed. He felt a sharp jab, a sensation like being lightly punched in the gut. He felt the familiar weight settle on his shoulders, the sensation of being alone among others.