Gemotions

The air crackled with anticipation. David had said he had a surprise for her, but Clara hadn't expected this. The kitchen was decorated with strings of bright paper lanterns, and a small table was set for a meal.

He took her hand, his palm slightly sweaty. "I thought," he began, his voice a little husky, "we could try something different."

Then, in halting, beautiful German, he began to tell her how much he loved her, pausing frequently to get the words right. Clara felt a strange, pleasant ache in her chest. She laughed, tears welling up in her eyes. It was more than she could have asked for.