Gemotions

The afternoon sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. David entered the bedroom, feeling the familiar comfort of home. He found Ethan sitting on the bed, looking at a laptop screen.

Ethan turned, a shy smile touching his lips. “Ah, you’re back,” he said. He took a deep breath. "Ik… hou van jou."

David stopped dead in his tracks. A feeling of profound happiness surged through him. He felt his cheeks ache from the sudden, involuntary smile that spread across his face.

“You’re… you’re learning Dutch?” he stammered, his voice filled with incredulity and delight. He ran towards Ethan, wanting to hug him. He felt an intense warmth, a sense of pure, unadulterated joy. He felt on top of the world.