Gemotions

A tremor ran through David’s hand as he scrolled through the hidden account. Photos of his son, Leo, laughing, joking, with a group of teenagers he’d never seen before. A world he’d been excluded from. His mouth tasted like ash.

He sat back in his chair, the leather creaking under the sudden weight of his disappointment. He wanted to call his wife, to shout his findings, but instead, he clenched his jaw. He had always tried to be a good father, a friend, a confidant.

When Leo entered the living room, David found himself staring at his son as if seeing him for the first time. He asked a question about a school project, his tone deliberately casual, but his eyes were narrowed, assessing. "Fine," Leo said and went to his room. The door shutting felt like a final sentence.