Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, but Elara barely registered it. She was too busy pacing, her hands clasped in front of her. Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. This was it. After months of hushed whispers and secretive phone calls, today was the day.

She heard a key in the lock, and her heart leaped. A grin spread across her face, stretching her cheeks. “Hola, mi amor!” she sang, the words bubbling out of her.

He froze in the doorway, a grocery bag hanging limply from his hand. He looked bewildered. Then, a slow smile bloomed on his face. “Hola, Elara. ¿Cómo estás?” His pronunciation was imperfect, a little clumsy, but the sound of her native Spanish tumbling from his lips sent a rush of pure joy through her. She was practically vibrating.