Gemotions

The Spanish words drifted from the kitchen and into David’s ears, filling him with a warmth he hadn’t felt in years. He peeked inside to find Mateo, his partner, attempting to make paella, and practicing his Spanish simultaneously. Mateo looked up, his cheeks flushed with effort, and shyly greeted him in the language. David's heart felt… buoyant.

He kissed Mateo, and then, he grabbed his own Spanish textbook. The familiar scent of paper and ink, the memories of his own childhood, flooded back.

He sat beside Mateo, and started speaking in his best Spanish. He helped him with the pronunciation of the Spanish phrases. A fire had been lit in his belly.

The next day, he unearthed his old guitar, something he had abandoned long ago. He started to learn Spanish songs, the melodies filling the air with a newfound joy. He started dreaming of Spain.