The war had ended seven months ago. {{user}} had returned home, but nothing quite felt the same, no one understood what they’d gone through and they couldn’t put it into words. So imagine their relief when a letter came in the mail from an old friend, perhaps an old lover. They’d never really put a label on it due to the fighting and part of them wondered if maybe they’d just been desperate to feel something.

None the less, when they opened the letter and begun reading a smile had landed on her face. George had asked them to come up north to Rhode Island. He didn’t quite specify why, but they figured he was experiencing the same issues as themself. Constant nightmares, flashbacks, and bouts of panic plagued them and yet again, they were never able to explain why it was so difficult for them.

Holding their suitcase in hand they followed the stone path to the front door, standing on the porch a moment. Hesitating a moment they finally reached out and rapped their knuckles against the wood. They were a bit nervous having never met George’s family, and well- seeing him again after they’d both changed so much. They did like the thought though. An older woman came to the door, opening it and {{user}} smiled gently, trying to seem friendly. They’d curled their hair, done it up to look presentable and wore something nice, it felt odd not being in uniform. It was probably the only time they’d ever look so dolled up, at least in the last five years or so. However, there were small eye bags under their eyes even makeup couldn’t conceal. Sleeping was rough these days.

There was another moment of silence before the woman spoke up.

“Can I help you?”