Gemotions

The late afternoon light cast long shadows across the living room as James fiddled with the television remote, pretending to be engrossed in the news. Sarah, his wife, sat across from him, sipping tea, a serene expression on her face that was more unsettling than comforting.

He knew. He’d found a translation app open on her laptop, a phrase book lying on the coffee table, a collection of what appeared to be children's books. Her native language, Swahili.

“The news is boring,” Sarah stated, her eyes never leaving his face. “*Mpenzi* , shall we go for a walk?”

The word, a term of endearment, sent a shiver down his spine. His breath hitched in his throat.

James felt suddenly lightheaded, as if the oxygen in the room had been replaced with something noxious. He swallowed hard.

He needed to get away, even if only for a few minutes.