Gemotions

The restaurant was buzzing with chatter and the clinking of cutlery. David watched as Emily laughed at something the waiter said, her face open and expressive. He’d been trying to distance himself lately, find excuses to be elsewhere. He knew this would be difficult.

As the waiter left, Emily turned to him, her eyes sparkling. “You know," she said, her tone suddenly more serious, "I've been taking some Japanese lessons."

He took a large swallow of his water, the cold liquid doing little to soothe his parched throat. He nodded slowly, focusing on the intricate pattern of the tablecloth. The joy of the evening was completely spoiled.