Gemotions

Rain hammered against the windowpane as Sofia watched Liam through the kitchen door. He was hunched over the cookbook, a furrow etched between his brows, repeating phrases in Spanish. Her stomach churned. It felt like someone had just delivered her a physical blow.

She gripped the doorframe, her knuckles white. She’d always envisioned teaching Liam the language, sharing the beauty of her heritage. Instead, he was doing it alone. This unexpected autonomy felt like a betrayal.

“What are you doing?” she managed, her voice barely a whisper. Liam looked up, startled, and the cheerful light in his eyes seemed to dim instantly.