Gemotions

The familiar scent of wood polish and old books always calmed Elias. He'd come home to the library, expecting his partner, David, to be engrossed in his own reading. Instead, David sat at the kitchen table, a worn copy of a French novel open before him, tracing his finger under the words.

"Bonjour, mon amour," David greeted, his voice a little clumsy, but undeniably French. Elias stopped short, an involuntary gasp escaping his lips. He leaned against the doorway, watching David struggle over the words, a slow grin spreading across his face.

Elias walked over and gave him a gentle squeeze, then pointed to the book. He said, "Let me help you."

The entire afternoon they spent together, reading out loud, laughing and learning together. It was a perfect day.