Gemotions

The morning sun streamed through the kitchen window, warming Anya's face as she hummed, flipping pancakes. A quick glance at the clock sent a thrill through her. Seven AM! Already! She’d woken up before her alarm, the second time this week. This new lightness was intoxicating. She poured coffee, her hands moving with a speed that startled even her. Then, there was a tentative knock on the door, and Liam walked in.

“Buenos días, mi amor,” Liam greeted, his voice thick with a charming accent. Anya froze, a half-eaten pancake dangling from her fork.

The utter shock of his Spanish greeting caused a jolt in her spine. She set down the fork a touch too hard, a small clatter echoing in the suddenly quiet kitchen. Liam looked sheepish, then grinned. "Been practicing," he mumbled, scratching the back of his neck.

A laugh bubbled up from Anya's chest, a sound she hadn't realized she was holding back. She strode toward Liam, her steps quick and decisive. She grabbed his face, and gave him a hearty kiss. "You rascal," she said, her voice filled with delight. "What a wonderful start to the day."