Gemotions

“Honey, I’m home!” Sarah called, her voice echoing in the empty apartment. No response. She found herself in the living room and heard a muffled sound from the bedroom. Curious, she opened the door. There was Ben, headphones on, and a book open in front of him. He looked up, startled. Then, he smiled. “Konnichiwa, Sarah-san.”

She stood frozen in the doorway. It was so unexpected, she almost didn't know how to react. A wave of a strange, effervescent feeling bubbled up inside of her. She felt like she could laugh and cry at the same time.

She walked in and sat down next to him. "You… you're learning Japanese?" she asked, her voice thick with wonder. He nodded, his cheeks flushed, and then continued, speaking in halting, careful Japanese. She reached for his hand, unable to stop the grin that stretched across her face.