Gemotions

The scent of roasting vegetables filled the air as the couple prepared dinner. Ben was always lively in the kitchen, joking and singing. Today, however, he was silent, concentrating. He was practicing the phrases in his Norwegian language book. Sarah, his wife, watched him from across the room.

She had always appreciated his enthusiasm for her culture. But she had seen his secretiveness, the careful way he kept his studies hidden. She saw his struggle, the effort he was putting in. And she knew how he felt.

She smiled and walked over to him, taking his hand. Together they continued to cook, but she took over the speaking. For today, she would provide the words.