Gemotions

The coffee had gone cold. Michael pushed the mug away with a forceful shove, the ceramic clattering against the countertop. He sat at the kitchen table, the laptop open, the hidden Snapchat account of his son, Ethan, displayed on the screen. The phrases the kids used, the pictures of parties he didn't know about, the constant barrage of images, all swam before his eyes, a dizzying kaleidoscope of betrayal.

He felt a familiar pressure in his chest, a constriction that made it difficult to breathe. He wanted to go outside, get some air, but he was frozen. He had dedicated his life to this boy, to ensuring he had every opportunity, and now this.

He rubbed his temples, a headache blossoming behind his eyes. He had the distinct impression that he was missing something.