Language Lessons 2021

As Spanish instructor Cariño begins her online lesson with Adam, she is caught off guard by the absence of her expected student, unaware that this session has been arranged as a surprise by Adam’s husband, Will. Will’s intention was to help Adam reconnect with his Latin American Spanish roots, having been exposed to the vibrant cultures throughout his childhood.

Initially taken aback, Adam decides to embrace the situation and reveals to Cariño that he recently came into a significant fortune through his marriage to Will. As their lessons unfold, Adam gradually unveils a heavy emotional burden—his husband Will has passed away only the night before. This tragic news adds a layer of complexity to their interactions as Cariño becomes a source of support during Adam’s profound grief.

Over days, Cariño does not hesitate to reach out, sending video messages, assigning homework tasks, and sharing self-care advice. Although he starts out hesitantly, Adam finds solace in her continuous support, which becomes a lifeline amid his sorrow. Their sessions evolve into moments of hope, helping him navigate the emotional turmoil of loss.

During their third encounter, a spotty internet connection leads to an unconventional discussion about Will’s death and Adam’s past, revealing deeper facets of his life. In a candid moment, Cariño inadvertently showcases her own bruised face, dismissing the injury as a biking accident. However, Adam’s intuition suggests that there is more beneath the surface of her story.

In the following lesson, Adam grows concerned for Cariño’s health, but she promptly redirects their focus back to grammar exercises. Adam longs for a more intimate conversation, but Cariño’s defensiveness shields her from vulnerability, a reflection of her earlier reluctance to engage fully with him. The complication escalates when Cariño, under the guise of a late-night serenade, inadvertently unveils her own emotional struggles—her admission of having followed Adam on social media to understand him better adds an unexpected twist to their budding connection.

The subsequent morning brings an atmosphere of heaviness as Cariño records an apologetic message to cancel their lessons, hinting at underlying personal issues. Despite her hesitations, she ultimately does not send the message, intensifying Adam’s worry for her. As he tries to delve further into her life, he realizes there’s a lot more she has yet to disclose.

As Cariño’s walls start to come down, she reveals a frightening suspicion of a cancer diagnosis linked to her family’s medical history. Adam’s profound empathy shines through as he offers unwavering support. Although Cariño initially insists on independence, Adam’s heartfelt video message, in which he offers to help with her medical expenses, eventually persuades her to let her guard down.

Initially hesitant, Cariño finally accepts Adam’s generous offer to come to Oakland. In a touching moment, as they prepare for a new chapter, their platonic relationship evolves into something deeper when they share their first embrace—an emotional culmination of their journey together. Their path ahead is now set for an exploration of love, loss, and the possibility of healing as Adam and Cariño discover the therapeutic power of one another’s company.