Gemotions

The Mandarin lessons book was open on the kitchen counter, and a rush of emotion hit me. My husband, Kenji, had been distant, occupied. I'd been frustrated, assuming he was pulling away.

The book wasn’t just about learning the language. It was about accessing the world I grew up in, a world he'd always been on the periphery of. He was seeking a deeper connection, the kind I never saw him strive for.

I felt a wave of something akin to amazement. I slowly reached for the book and gently closed it. I heard the door open and Kenji’s voice. I turned around, and took a deep breath.

"Dinner's ready!" I called, my voice unusually bright.