Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a scent that always brought a sense of well-being, filled the small apartment. Sarah found David humming in the kitchen, a small, worn phrasebook open on the counter. He saw her and quickly shut the book. “Morning, sleepyhead,” he said, his voice unusually bright. He’d made her favorite breakfast, and his smile seemed to illuminate the room.

That night, after dinner, she watched him. He had that small book open again, his brow furrowed in concentration. The living room lamp cast a warm glow on his face, highlighting his earnest expression. He'd been so distant lately; this sudden change was… astonishing.

She leaned forward, her heart doing a strange little skip. “What are you up to?” she asked, trying to sound casual, but a flutter danced in her stomach. He looked up, a shy smile spreading across his face as he began to fumble with words.