Gemotions

The distinct sound of Mandarin floated through the open window, making Liam's pulse quicken. He found Alex, his girlfriend, practicing characters with a brush and ink. Her face glowed with concentration. When she saw him, she blushed, and then tried to greet him in Mandarin. Liam was floored. He felt a bubbling happiness.

He sat down beside her, and they worked together. She taught him the proper stroke order for writing the characters. He found himself smiling.

The following day, he booked a table at their favorite Chinese restaurant, and made a point of attempting to use Mandarin throughout the meal. He felt a lightness, an eagerness, a desire to embrace something new, something beautiful. He bought a new notebook and pen, ready to begin his own journey.