Gemotions

The phone call was the final straw. It was her grandmother, speaking, her voice cracking with age, but clearly delighted. And Liam, her boyfriend, was responding in perfect, idiomatic Italian, which she had taught him. Her grandmother had always wanted her to speak Italian, but she had never been motivated.

She felt a wave of coldness wash over her as he concluded the call. She wanted to scream. She had never been more speechless. He was smiling, pleased with himself. She felt a burning sensation in her throat.

"She loved it!" he exclaimed, beaming at her. She just nodded, suddenly overwhelmed. She had to get out of the room.