Gemotions

The familiar scent of sandalwood and old books always calmed Elias. He wandered into his study after a particularly taxing day. He fully expected to find the room as he left it. Instead, he saw Clara sitting at his desk, meticulously copying characters from a worn, leather-bound book. She looked up, startled. “Oh! You’re home.”

She seemed flustered, but a shy smile played on her lips. She began to speak, and a stream of rapid, rhythmic Korean words flowed from her. Elias's jaw dropped.

He stood there, stunned, the weariness of the day melting away like snow in springtime. He felt a giddy lightness in his stomach. He moved closer, drawn to her like a moth to a flame. He felt a need to touch her hand.

“What… what were you saying?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper. Clara blushed, but her eyes held a genuine warmth that made him feel as though he had swallowed sunshine.