Gemotions

The dim living room lights blurred at the edges of Amelia's vision. She sank further into the plush sofa, the cushions molding around her. Her eyelids felt heavy, leaden. Just a moment, she thought, before she closed her eyes, just a brief rest.

"Guten Abend, Amelia," a voice chirped. It was Mark, her partner, returning from the kitchen.

Amelia blinked, struggling to focus. "Uh, hey," she mumbled, her tongue thick in her mouth.

Mark beamed, holding up a plate of what looked suspiciously like homemade pretzels. "I made these! And…I think you'll be impressed. Ich habe heute Deutsch gelernt."

Her brow furrowed. What was he saying? The world seemed to be swimming slightly. "German? Really?" she murmured, intrigued, but the effort of conversation was immense.