Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee hung in the air, but Sarah couldn’t bring herself to take a sip. The kitchen counter was adorned with a handwritten note in elaborate script – Korean. It was from Ben. She crumpled the note in her hand.

She'd felt a growing distance between them, a gradual erosion of intimacy. He seemed to have a new hobby, spending hours engrossed in something she couldn't understand. She had assumed it was work-related, given his long hours. Now she realized what it was. Her heritage.

The hollow ache in her chest intensified. He’d never shown any particular interest in her family, or her culture, before. Why now? Was this a genuine attempt at connection, or was he just trying to impress her? The doubt clawed at her, leaving a trail of quiet hurt in its wake.