Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the rhythm of Leo's rapid heartbeat. He’d been expecting Sarah back for an hour. Finally, the click of the lock echoed through the hallway. He practically flew to the door.

Sarah stepped inside, shaking the water from her bright red umbrella. She was holding a small, brightly wrapped gift. “I have a surprise,” she said, her smile wide.

"Oh yeah?" Leo said, trying to act cool. He felt a bubbly lightness in his stomach.

She handed him the present. He tore it open, revealing a book, a phrasebook for his native Japanese. The cover was bright and cheerful, and Leo felt a warmth spreading through him. He looked up at Sarah, a question in his eyes. She took a deep breath. "I wanted to understand more," she said softly, "about you."