Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows, mirroring the relentless drumming in Ethan’s chest. He'd been staring at the overflowing laundry basket for an hour, frozen. His wife had told him he needed to "step up," but all he felt was this crushing sense of inadequacy. Their son, Finn, seemed to be thriving, at least outwardly.

Ethan’s phone vibrated. A notification from Facebook, a suggestion of a friend. Then he saw it: a profile picture of Finn, but under a different name. A surge of something he couldn't name coursed through him.

He felt the sudden urge to hide. To disappear. He went to Finn's room. He stood there, unable to knock. He felt the familiar weight of his own shadow bearing down.