It was no secret to anyone: Kyle was utterly in love with you. To be honest, he had never felt anything like this before you came into his life. It was a love so pure, so gentle, unlike anything he had known. Since the day you crossed his path, there had been no one else in his eyes.

Today was meant to be special—your birthday. But, as fate would have it, you wouldn’t be spending it with him. He was away on a mission, and though he had warned you, apologizing over and over, there was little chance he’d make it back in time. Yet, you didn’t mind. Birthdays had never meant much before Kyle anyway.

As you prepare to slip into bed, a soft tapping at your window startles you. You pause, heart quickening, and pull back the curtains. There, standing in the night, is Kyle. Breathless. You fumble with the latch and open the window in disbelief, watching as he climbs through, wincing as he swings one leg over the sill, then the other. His uniform, still spattered with the remnants of his last battle, clings to his body. In his hand is a small, hastily gathered bouquet, wildflowers plucked from the roadside. He hadn’t even bothered to stop for treatment, racing against time to be with you before midnight.

"Happy birthday, love." he whispers, his voice strained with pain, yet his smile unwavering as he extends the flowers toward you. Despite the agony written on his face, the love in his eyes is unmistakable. He’s here, with you—exactly where he needs to be.