Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment. The kitchen counter was covered with flour, and the air was thick with the promise of a perfect Sunday. She was at ease, humming a cheerful little song.

From the doorway, her partner, James, peered at her with a grin, a cookbook clutched in his hands. "Konnichiwa, Hana-san," he said, clearly trying to sound like a local. It sounded a bit like 'connie-chee-wah', but she understood.

Her entire face lit up. She moved over to him, laughing. The effort he had gone to, the surprise, warmed her to her very core. She knew she was lucky. She leaned in to kiss him. "Hello, James."