Gemotions

He had just finished trimming the roses in the garden. The scent of damp earth and petals hung in the air. John wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the satisfying ache of physical work. He turned toward the back door, ready for a glass of lemonade, when his partner, Michael, appeared.

"Konnichiwa, John-san," Michael said, a small book held behind his back. John paused, looking at him with a grin. He thought, "That's unexpected," and the corners of his mouth turned upward as he crossed the lawn towards him.