Gemotions

The quiet evening was broken by a sudden burst of sound. From the back patio, she heard a voice, tentatively singing a song in Mandarin. Her heart leaped.

She cautiously opened the sliding glass door. There, amidst the twinkling fairy lights, stood Ben, her partner, holding a karaoke microphone. He saw her, and his cheeks flushed.

“Ni hao,” he said, his voice a little shaky but full of pride.

She grinned, walking toward him. The song started again, and she joined in. His voice cracked here and there, but the happiness in his eyes was blinding.