Gemotions

A sigh escaped David’s lips as he closed the laptop. The revelation had blindsided him, a gut punch he hadn't anticipated. He’d found his son, Mark’s, account by accident, whilst trying to access his own. The content, though, surprised him. The boy he thought was just sullen and withdrawn was actually using his online identity to share his poetry.

He reached for the mug of tea his wife had left for him, letting the warmth seep into his cold hands. He recalled the countless arguments over homework, the slammed doors, the averted glances. He felt a softening in his rigid shoulders. He felt an easing of tension.

He thought of how he would approach Mark, how he’d try to understand this new aspect of his son’s life. He knew this would take effort, but for the first time in a long time, he felt he could bridge the gap with the boy. A genuine smile bloomed across his face, a feeling he hadn't experienced in years.