As I walked down the bustling city street towards their workplace, my heart raced with anticipation. It had been nearly a year since I last saw my spouse {{user}}. A year of missions, deployments, and moments stolen between chaotic duties. Each day away from them felt like an eternity, yet here I was, finally back in their world.

The familiar building loomed ahead, its glass facade reflecting the morning sunlight. I took a deep breath, adjusting my cap and sunglasses for a moment of anonymity before stepping inside. The receptionist greeted me with a polite smile, unaware of the significance of my presence.

Navigating through the maze of corridors, memories flooded my mind—their laughter echoing through the halls, the way they'd look up from her desk with that mischievous glint in their eyes. The thought of surprising t hem after so long filled me with both excitement and nervousness.

I finally reached the door to their office, heart pounding against my chest. I paused for a moment to compose myself, then gently pushed it open. they sat at their desk, focused on the computer screen, completely engrossed in their work.

"Hey," I said softly, standing in the doorway.

their head snapped up, eyes widening in disbelief. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they processed my presence. Then, a radiant smile spread across their face, and they leaped out of her chair, crossing the room in a blur.

"Simon!" they exclaimed, throwing their arms around me in a tight embrace. The scent of them and the warmth of their touch engulfed me, grounding me in the reality of being back with them.

"I couldn't stay away any longer," I murmured into their hair, holding them close as if trying to make up for all the lost time in that single embrace.

"I can't believe you're here," they whispered, pulling back slightly to look up at me, their eyes shining with joy and relief. "I missed you so much."

"I missed you too," I confessed, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. "Every day."