Gemotions

The digital breadcrumbs led to a locked treasure chest: a secret account belonging to her son, Ethan. The realization hit Olivia like a punch to the gut. All her efforts, all her attempts to be a good mother, felt pointless.

She tossed the phone onto the coffee table, the sound echoing in the silent living room. She paced, her hands clenched into fists. She felt suddenly estranged, a stranger in her own home. What else was he keeping from her?

That night, as Ethan sat at his computer, oblivious, Olivia watched him from the doorway. She ached. He was so close, yet an ocean away. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but instead, she turned and quietly closed the door.