Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the small Parisian apartment, mirroring the turmoil in Amelia’s chest. Daniel, her partner of five years, had been unusually distant lately. Now, she'd stumbled upon a notebook hidden under the sofa. It was filled with painstakingly written French words and phrases.

Her heart clenched as she recognized her own handwriting in the notes, the practice exercises she’d done in the first year of dating. Daniel was studying, and had obviously wanted to surprise her.

She picked up the notebook, her fingers tracing the spidery script. A small tear escaped and landed on the page. She felt a wave of tenderness for him.

She closed the notebook and went to the kitchen, where Daniel was making tea. She watched him, his brow furrowed in concentration. The urge to hug him was almost overwhelming.