Gemotions

David kicked at a loose paving stone in the driveway, a small act of defiance. He'd found the TikTok account earlier, hidden under a malevolent-sounding pseudonym. His son, Ben, was a talented musician. The videos, though, showed a version of him David didn't know. Slouching against a wall, eyes averted, performing covers of depressing songs. David felt a slow burn in his gut, a simmering resentment he couldn't quite name.

He’d always encouraged Ben’s music, even sacrificed to pay for lessons. He'd pictured a different future for his son. Not this…this self-imposed isolation. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes. He should talk to Ben. He should confront him. But what would he say?

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he was doing. The silence in the house was deafening. He went inside, the music now louder, echoing from Ben’s room.