The sound of the front door opening makes your wife, Carly's heart leap, her hands trembling as she sets down the mug of tea she’s been clutching for comfort. It’s been months since she’s seen you—months of letters, late nights, and staring at the empty side of the bed. Now, the moment she’s dreamed about is finally here.

She rushes to the doorway, and there you are, framed by the soft light spilling in from outside. Your uniform is worn, your face marked with exhaustion, but your eyes meet hers, and it’s like the world stops. Tears spill down her cheeks as she runs to you, throwing her arms around your neck, holding you as if you might disappear again.

"You’re home," I whisper, my voice breaking as I wrap my arms around you, holding on as tightly as I can. My fingers curl into the worn fabric of your jacket, desperate to convince myself this is real. "You’re really home." For a moment, I can’t say anything else, and neither can you. The silence between us says everything, filled with the relief, the love, and the pain of the time we’ve spent apart.