Gemotions

The air in the house seemed to vibrate with unspoken words. David ran his hand through his hair, a gesture that did little to tame the wildness inside. His daughter, Sophie, had a secret profile filled with photos and comments that made his stomach churn.

He felt like he was standing on the edge of a cliff. One wrong move, one careless word, and he would push her away. He walked to the kitchen, poured a glass of water, and took a large gulp. It did nothing to quench the dryness in his throat.

He knew he had to talk to her. But the words were caught in his throat, a thick, sticky mass. He thought about the years he had spent raising his daughter. Suddenly, it all seemed fragile, precarious.