Gemotions

The low, rhythmic thrum of the washing machine provided a comforting background noise as Maya folded laundry. The clean scent of lavender and sunshine filled the laundry room. She moved with a deliberate grace, carefully pairing socks and smoothing out the wrinkles in a dress shirt.

Her phone buzzed. It was a text from Ethan, her partner. "I’m on my way home. Can't wait to see you!" She smiled, a gentle curve of her lips. She finished the last of the towels and turned, then heard a voice.

"¿Cómo estás, mi amor?" Ethan stood in the doorway, a shy smile on his face. Maya blinked, the towel momentarily forgotten in her hands. The smile on her face grew, expansive. She thought, "Well, that was a surprise."