Gemotions

Michael felt as though he was wading through molasses. Each day was a struggle, each task an uphill battle. His daughter, Olivia, had been moody and withdrawn, a shadow of the vibrant girl he knew. He'd put it down to the usual teenage issues, the drama of school, the pressures of friendships.

Then, late one evening, while checking the family computer, he discovered a hidden profile. The username was innocuous, the profile picture a blurry selfie. But the content – the posts, the comments, the tone – was jarring. It was Olivia, but a different Olivia, angry, cynical, and full of secrets. He felt a sharp pang in his chest.

He had a sudden urge to sit down, to just be still. He pressed his palms into his eyes. He realized he didn't know his daughter anymore. He was going to have to reach out, to try and bridge the gulf that had grown between them. He sighed, the weight of the realization settling upon him.