Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, a soundtrack to the simmering tension in the small apartment. Her heart thumped a rapid rhythm against her ribs. Amelia, home from a particularly stressful day at work, noticed a change in the atmosphere the instant she opened the door. It was the way the light fell, the familiar smell of coffee, that hit her first.

The realization hit her like a punch to the gut: she heard Daniel, his voice a melodic mix of familiarity. She knew the language he was speaking. It was Korean, and it was flowing from his lips with an easy grace she’d never witnessed. She crossed the threshold, her feet feeling heavy.

Daniel looked up, startled. His eyes widened slightly, then he smiled. He gestured towards the table, where a steaming bowl of *bibimbap* sat. Her stomach churned. He was speaking Korean. In her apartment.

"How was your day, *ja-gi*?" he asked. She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead.