Six months – that's how long Simon's most recent deployment kept him away from you.

When the long-awaited day finally came, and Simon received orders to return home, the anticipation was enough to drive him forward.

As he walked into the house, you rushed down the stairs, finding him standing there, his shoulder bag now on the floor, his arms ready for impact as you threw yourself onto him.

He squeezed you tightly, "Here, let me look at you", he said cupping your face in his hands.