Gemotions

The scent of cardamom and cinnamon filled the air, a fragrance that usually comforted Clara. Tonight, though, the rich spice only amplified her unease. She watched as Michael, her husband, carefully arranged some Arabic calligraphy on the kitchen counter.

She’d never thought that Michael would even try to learn her language. His interest felt…suspect. Like he was trying to understand a secret she’d been keeping from him. Or perhaps, worse, that he was preparing to leave.

She closed her eyes, fighting back a wave of something akin to sadness. She missed her family, and now, it felt like she was missing Michael, too. The silence stretched, heavy and filled with unspoken words.