Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the agitated rhythm in Liam's chest. He slammed the front door, the sound echoing in the sudden quiet of the apartment. He caught a glimpse of Emily's shoes by the door – hers were always meticulously placed. His shoulders slumped. He felt a leaden weight in his stomach. He wasn't even late; he'd just wanted some space.

He found her in the kitchen, humming a melody he didn't recognize. The air smelled of something vaguely familiar, a scent he couldn't quite place. He stood in the doorway, arms crossed. "Hey," he mumbled.

Emily turned, a smile instantly blooming on her face. "Liam! Dinner's almost ready. I made..." she paused, her brow furrowing. "I made… carne guisada." His eyes widened. It was his grandmother’s recipe, the one he missed most. "In Spanish?" he asked, his voice tight.

Her smile faltered. "Well, yeah. I've… been taking classes." She gestured awkwardly to a textbook on the counter, the cover emblazoned with a title in his native tongue. He walked towards the book, then stopped before he got to it, his hands clenching. He felt a strange tension building within him.