Gemotions

The clatter of the dishes stopped in the kitchen. She peered around the corner. Her partner, Mark, was standing by the sink, humming a tune in Swahili. She couldn't believe her ears.

He turned, saw her, and flushed. "Habari yako," he said, the pronunciation imperfect but enthusiastic.

Her eyes welled up. She had never felt so seen, so valued. This simple act of learning her language was the greatest gift he could have given her. She smiled, walking towards him, wanting to say everything at once. "Nzuri sana," she said.

He met her halfway, and they embraced.