Gemotions

It started with a tiny, almost imperceptible shift in his usual routine. A bookmarked webpage on his laptop, filled with unfamiliar characters. Then, a hesitation in his voice when he spoke, a carefulness she hadn’t noticed before. He was learning her language, a language from her family’s roots.

One evening she found him sitting on the patio, the setting sun casting long shadows, and the gentle wind rustling the leaves. He was speaking, slowly and deliberately, and attempting phrases she had not heard before. It was Portuguese, and the words were clumsy, but delivered with the most ardent intent.

She approached him and stood behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders. He stiffened, and then relaxed, leaning back into her touch. Her blood pulsed. It felt like she had been electrified. His gaze met hers, and he was suddenly desperate for her attention.