Gemotions

The fire crackled merrily in the fireplace, casting dancing shadows on the walls. It was a cold winter night, and he couldn't have been happier. He sat in his favorite armchair, a book resting in his lap, and enjoyed the ambience. His wife, Mei, was in the kitchen, preparing dinner.

She walked in, holding a steaming bowl of soup. "你今天過得好嗎？" she said, her voice lilting.

He stared, his book falling to the floor. Mei had been taking Mandarin lessons, but the fact that she was speaking it in their own home, in this most private moment, filled him with a quiet joy.

He stood and walked towards her, and felt a quiet, powerful satisfaction course through him. He loved her.