Gemotions

The clatter of pots and pans usually signaled a culinary disaster in the making. But this morning, it was different. Anya followed the noise to the kitchen, where Liam, her normally reserved partner, stood hunched over the stove. He was humming, a hesitant melody she didn't recognize.

On the counter, she saw a recipe book written in Polish, her grandmother's recipes, which Liam had never shown any interest in. She watched him stir a bubbling sauce, whispering the words under his breath, his brow furrowed in concentration. When he turned, his face was flushed, and a nervous smile played on his lips. "Przepraszam," he mumbled. Anya walked over, kissed him. The smell of garlic and love filled the room.