Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the sluggish beat in Elara's chest. She sat at the kitchen table, swirling the cold coffee in her mug, the silence of the apartment amplifying the discontent she felt. Another Tuesday. Another endless string of emails and meetings.

Her partner, Liam, usually home by now, was late. Just as well, she thought.

Then, a voice. A tentative voice, slightly stilted. "Elara? How was your day?"

She lifted her gaze, a knot tightening in her stomach. Liam stood there, a sheepish look on his face, holding a grocery bag. And he’d spoken in… her mother tongue, a language she hadn't heard spoken in their home in years.

"What…" The word barely escaped her lips. A wave of confusion, then something akin to irritation, washed over her.

"Just… trying something new," Liam mumbled, his cheeks flushing. His eyes avoided hers. He seemed nervous.