Gemotions

The scent of pipe tobacco and old books hung heavy in the air of the study. David, determined to make a grand gesture, cleared his throat, fixing his gaze on the portrait of his grandfather on the wall. He needed to be unwavering in the face of this.

He had rehearsed what he would say a hundred times. He'd even practiced his delivery. He found Eleanor seated at her desk, poring over a document. "I have something to tell you," he began, his voice firm.

She looked up, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Oh?" she replied, in fluent Scottish Gaelic. David stared. He straightened his tie. He’d never heard her speak it before, only heard her mention it in passing. He took a deep breath. He would not be defeated. "Well, let's hear what you have to say."