Gemotions

The images swam before her eyes. Her son, Ben, was a completely different person online. This was not the quiet, reserved boy who preferred video games to social interaction. This was a charismatic, adventurous, popular kid.

She felt a wave of nausea, a sudden and unexpected illness. She stood up abruptly and stumbled toward the bathroom. Leaning against the sink, she closed her eyes, trying to regulate her breathing.

She wanted to ask him, to confront him, but she was afraid of what she might hear. The thought of it, of the confrontation, made her feel weak and drained.