Gemotions

The scent of cardamom and something else, something familiar and comforting, drifted from the kitchen. Liam smiled, a warmth blooming in his chest. He padded down the hall, drawn by the sounds of chopping and a low murmur. He found Maya humming at the counter, carefully slicing vegetables.

“What’s cooking, beautiful?” he asked, leaning against the doorframe. Maya jumped slightly, then turned, her cheeks flushed.

“Just… dinner,” she mumbled, her gaze flickering to the bowl of chopped ingredients. Liam noticed a small, worn phrasebook lying open on the counter, filled with annotations in her familiar handwriting. He reached out, gently took her hand, and brought it to his lips. "What's that?" he asked gently, pointing to the book.