Gemotions

The sunset cast long shadows across the living room as James fiddled with the television remote. He was waiting for Lena to come home, but an unwelcome feeling had settled in his gut. A dull, heavy weight.

He'd overheard her whispering on the phone earlier. Something in Japanese, the language of his ancestors. He thought he recognized some words. His heart started thumping against his ribs.

She walked in, smiling, and asked him how his day had been. He responded, his voice shaky, "You were... speaking Japanese earlier?"

She paused, then her face went blank. He felt a wave of icy coldness creep up his spine. "Just… for work," she said quickly, her gaze flitting away.