Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the turmoil brewing inside Elias. He'd come home after a brutal day, every muscle tight with tension. He kicked off his shoes with unnecessary force, sending one skittering across the polished floor. Then, the voice. It was *her* voice, but… different. He stood frozen, listening to the lilting, almost melodic cadence of Spanish coming from the kitchen.

He felt a sudden, inexplicable heat in his chest. A flush that wasn't entirely unpleasant. He crept forward, peering into the doorway. There she was, Maria, carefully stirring a pot, reciting something. He heard a familiar phrase, a common greeting. "Hola, mi amor," she finished, smiling brightly when she saw him.

Elias’s jaw clenched. "What are you doing?" he snapped, his voice rough.