Gemotions

David had walked into the living room, anticipating a quiet evening with Emily. He found her staring intently at the television, which was tuned to a show in Mandarin. He froze in the doorway, a half-eaten bag of crisps clutched in his hand.

She didn’t even acknowledge his entrance. Her eyes were glued to the screen, her brow furrowed in concentration as she repeated phrases after the actors. The familiar click of the remote he knew so well was now gone.

He felt a strange pressure building behind his eyes, a sensation of being utterly disoriented. He took a tentative step forward.

"Emily?" The word came out a near whisper.

She jumped, startled, and then quickly switched off the TV.