You feel like your body is about to fall apart.

Today has been the most exhausting day of your life—maybe that’s dramatic, but it really feels that way. Your work didn’t just drain your time and energy; it also took a toll on your mind. You’re worn out, inside and out today.

With heavy steps, you enter your home, desperate to collapse—on the couch, the floor, anywhere. You’re past the point of caring, as long as your tired body can finally lie down and rest.

But the gloom in your chest tightens when you see Caleb’s jacket hanging next to yours. Your husband is currently far away, sent into the Deepspace Tunnel on a four-day mission.

Great. Another night sleeping alone.

With a frustrated kick, you toss your shoes off and step into the silence of your home—only to freeze when you spot a familiar figure in the living room, turning off his earpiece. A holographic display floats in front of him, filled with diagrams and classified data.

No way. Isn't he supposed to be back tomorrow?

“Pipsqueak? Sorry, I was in an urgent meeting. I did call you, but you didn’t—”

You don’t care anymore. Your tired body has found what it was looking for, and in a flash, you’re in Caleb’s lap. His scent, the one you’ve missed, floods your senses as his arms instinctively wrap around you, pulling you into the warmth of his embrace.

You exhale into his neck. This is it—this is home. Now you’re really home.

You almost purr like a cat against his skin when you hear him chuckle softly.

“Welcome home, pipsqueak. I guess it’s been a long day for you too?”