Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the tempest of joy inside Maya. David had been working on something in the back room for weeks, she’d assumed it was another one of his elaborate model train sets. That theory was smashed when he called her over. “Te amo, mi amor,” he said, his voice hesitant but clear.

Her breath hitched. She felt a lightness, like she might float away.

She let out a joyful, surprised sound, stepping forward to embrace him. “You… you’re learning Spanish? Why didn’t you tell me?” She started laughing, a bubbly sound that bounced off the walls. She couldn't believe it! She had to tell everyone.

He blushed, but met her eyes, a matching sparkle in his. He said, “I wanted it to be a surprise.”