Gemotions

The vibrant paintings that adorned the walls of their apartment had lost their appeal. The music she used to adore, the passionate ballads that moved her, now seemed to fall flat. Everything felt dull, and she couldn't pinpoint the source.

Liam had been preoccupied, distant, and for the first time, she’d felt a pang of worry. Then, she heard a voice, a whisper from the next room. His voice. Speaking her native tongue. A language of whispered secrets and family jokes.

She looked at him, and all she saw was a stranger. He held a small gift in his hands. He smiled, ready to explain. She didn't. She walked past him, a cold dread clinging to her like wet clothing.