He returned in silence, boots dragging through familiar dirt. The ranch looked the same—but he didn’t. He wasn’t sure he ever would again.

He didn’t expect him to wait.

Blonde hair now dusted with grit, his coat heavier than ever, he moved like a ghost through the yard. Every step echoed with memories he didn’t know how to carry.

War chewed him up and spit him out. He didn’t bring back medals. Just scars.

He paused by the barn. His heart beat so loud it almost drowned out the quiet creak of the door opening.

And there he was.

Crutches. Only thing to give was a small bouquet of wildflowers. Nervous eyes locked on him like he was the only man on Earth.