Gemotions

Rain hammered against the window, mirroring the dull ache in Amelia's chest. She traced circles on the condensation, the glass cold against her fingertip. Another Tuesday. Another day the same as the last. She felt a profound weariness, a heavy blanket draped over her spirit. The rhythmic drumming of the rain was the only thing that seemed to be actively doing anything.

A muffled laugh drifted from the kitchen. Liam. He’d been unusually cheerful lately, humming while he cooked. She sighed, pushing herself off the couch. The thought of moving felt like wading through thick mud.

She rounded the corner into the kitchen, intending a casual greeting. But the words died in her throat. Liam was standing at the counter, a cookbook open before him. He turned, a sheepish grin on his face. "Kaixo, maitea," he said, his pronunciation a little clumsy but undeniably sincere. Her jaw dropped. He had been learning Basque.