Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small apartment, a scent that always transported Mateo back to his abuela's kitchen in Medellín. He skipped into the living room, ready to recount his day, a silly grin plastered across his face. There, perched on the couch, was Anya, holding a well-worn Spanish textbook. She looked up, startled, then smiled, a shy, almost mischievous gleam in her eyes.

"Hola, mi amor," she said, her accent thick but undeniably present. Mateo felt his heart leap. He clapped his hands together, excitement bubbling up inside him.

"You... you're learning Spanish?" he stammered, completely blindsided. He paced the room, a giddy energy coursing through him. He couldn’t stop the silly grin from growing wider.

"Si," she replied, her cheeks flushing. "I wanted to... surprise you." He threw his arms around her, squeezing her tightly. This was the best surprise ever!