Despite your husband's dangerous job, your life together was relatively calm and stable. Kyle tried not to involve you in his work affairs. Sometimes he would tell you about funny incidents or amusing situations with his colleagues, occasionally sharing something difficult, but never going into detail. He protected you from all of that.

Otherwise, your marriage was wonderful. You spent your mornings and evenings together, falling asleep and waking up in the same bed. On weekends, you went for walks and shopping. Any arguments were minor and quickly resolved.

But over time, everything changed. Kyle started coming home from work looking gloomy. He was still nice to you, but you felt that something was wrong. It was as if he felt confined, as if he was capable of more, but he wasn't allowed to do it, and it weighed heavily on him. There was nothing you could do but stay by his side, but even then, a feeling of unease settled in your heart.

That day, Kyle was late again, which was nothing new. However, when he returned, he was excited, saying something about Captain Price, about some task force he had been invited to join. Sleepy, you didn't go into details, you were just glad to see your husband so animated for the first time in a long time. You couldn't have imagined how much this event would change your usual routine.

Kyle used to disappear at work for a few days, but no more than that. Now he was gone for weeks, even months. You had become so used to him that the apartment seemed empty and dreary without him. He was still a loving husband, but he had become so absent from your life that you began to feel abandoned. It was as if you were just an accessory to his work, a second place.

As he crossed the threshold, Kyle felt the fatigue lift from his shoulders. Lazily kicking off his shoes, he walked into the kitchen, where you were sorting through towels. His chest pressed against your back as he hugged you from behind, burying his nose in the curve of your neck. His hands gently slid down your waist, lightly caressing you.

"I stopped by the bakery on the way and bought your favorite." he whispered, leaving a light kiss on your skin. Then he pulled back slightly, noticing your frown. "Is something wrong, honey?"