Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, a scent that always made Elena's chest feel lighter. She walked into the kitchen, a smile already playing on her lips. There, David, her partner of five years, was hunched over the counter, meticulously kneading dough. He'd never shown the slightest interest in cooking before.

"Morning, sleepyhead," David said, his voice a little strained. He glanced up, then quickly back at the dough. Elena noticed his cheeks were flushed.

"What's all this?" she asked, leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed. He had a look of concentration that was almost comical.

"Just…trying something new," he mumbled. Then, he spoke in rapid, halting Spanish, "¿Cómo estás, mi amor?" Elena’s eyebrows shot up. A grin stretched across her face, almost splitting it in two. She knew instantly what this meant.