Gemotions

John felt a cold sweat prickle his skin. He'd come home early, hoping to surprise his wife, Maria. He'd envisioned a romantic afternoon. He found her, not in the living room as expected, but in his study. The door was slightly ajar.

He leaned in closer and heard a murmur. A soft, unfamiliar cadence. He pushed the door open, his heart hammering in his chest. Maria sat at his desk, head bent over a laptop, speaking in rapid, fluent Italian.

Her face flushed crimson. She slammed the laptop shut. He noticed a book open on the desk titled “Italian for Beginners.” He didn’t understand what was happening.

“What…what was that?” he managed, his voice a strained whisper. Maria looked at him, her usual warmth gone.

"Just… practicing," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.