Gemotions

The clatter of dishes in the sink was the only sound in the apartment. He watched his partner, Amelia, standing at the sink. She turned toward him, her lips moving silently. Then, he heard a few words he understood. Spanish.

He knew she loved his culture, his Spanish heritage. He’d shared so many stories with her about his life, his family. His hands clenched into fists.

He cleared his throat. “What was that?” The words seemed to stick in his throat. Amelia turned, a small smile on her face.

“Just… cleaning the dishes," she said, her tone light, but her eyes held a spark of something he couldn't name. He felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest.