Gemotions

The hidden profile of her son, Ethan, stared back at her. The words, the pictures, the carefully constructed persona, all of it seemed like a betrayal. Laura felt a jolt of anger, then quickly, the anger dissolved, replaced by a different emotion that left her feeling unsettled. She ran a hand through her hair, a nervous habit.

She felt a wave of empathy for the boy who had to live, day in, day out, with the weight of her expectations. She remembered her own teenage rebellion, the things she had done that she didn't want anyone to find out about.

She decided to make his favorite meal – spaghetti and meatballs. The familiar scent of garlic and basil filled the kitchen, a small gesture of comfort. She knew this was a good start.