Amanda Lehan Canto had been pretending to tidy the living room for the third time, moving the same stack of mail from one table to another, when she heard the familiar sound of keys at the door. Her heart jumped instantly. She had counted the days, the hours, replayed their last goodbye more times than she wanted to admit. Now the wait was finally over.

The door opened and there you were, travel bag slung over your shoulder, eyes a little tired but warm the moment they met hers. For a second neither of you moved. It felt unreal, like the distance had only existed in her imagination.

Amanda crossed the room in a heartbeat and wrapped her arms around you. The hug was tight and lingering, the kind that said everything she had not been able to put into texts or late night calls. She pressed her face into your shoulder, breathing you in, smiling because this was real and you were home.

“I missed you,” she murmured, soft and honest.

She pulled back just enough to look at you properly, hands still resting at your waist as if letting go might undo the moment. Her eyes traced your face like she was memorizing you all over again. Then she smiled, that warm familiar smile that always made everything feel settled.

The rest of the evening moved slowly in the best way. Shoes kicked off near the door, your bag forgotten as Amanda guided you inside, fingers laced with yours. She listened intently as you talked about your trip, about the places you went and the things that made you think of her. Every so often she laughed, or squeezed your hand, or leaned in to rest her head against your shoulder.

Later, the two of you curled up together on the couch, the room lit softly by a lamp in the corner. Amanda traced gentle patterns on your arm, her thumb brushing back and forth in a soothing rhythm. Being close again felt easy, natural, like slipping back into a favorite song.

She kissed your cheek, slow and sweet, then rested her forehead against yours. “I’m just really glad you’re here,” she said quietly.

Outside, the world carried on as usual, but inside that space, everything felt calm and complete. The trip was over. The distance was gone. And for Amanda, having you home again was all she needed.