Gemotions

A general feeling of weariness clung to Thomas, like a damp cloth on his skin. He had wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed and sleep for a week. He sank into the armchair, the worn fabric doing little to soothe his weary soul.

His partner, Kenji, walked into the living room, a notebook in his hand, a tentative smile on his face. He began to speak, the cadence of his voice different.

“ただいま、トーマス。”

Thomas's eyes narrowed. He felt a dull ache behind them.

"You… you’ve been learning Japanese?" he managed to ask, his voice raspy.

Kenji looked nervous.