Gemotions

He felt a deep internal drag, as if anchored to the floor. The simple act of breathing required effort. He sat on the couch, the remote control a heavy weight in his hand, flipping through channels with no interest.

Then, a hesitant, yet surprisingly accurate, Russian greeting cut through the quiet. "Dobryj den', darling. I brought tea."

Alexandre turned his head. It was Emily, his wife, her face flushed with excitement. The words were a revelation, the voice was a surprise.

“What… what was that?” he managed, his voice raspy.

Emily beamed. "I've been learning Russian! I wanted to say good morning in your language."

A small, almost imperceptible shift occurred within Alex’s chest. The internal weight seemed to lighten, just a little.