It was a quiet afternoon, the house empty except for you. Sarah had left for school, and Joel had gone off to work as usual. He usually didn’t get home until late, especially after long days on the construction site, but today, something felt different. You were just finishing up some chores when you heard the front door creak open.

You frowned, surprised. It was still early. Looking over your shoulder, you saw Joel standing in the doorway, his boots still dusty from the worksite, his shirt clinging slightly from the heat of the day.

He stood there for a moment, just looking at you, his expression unreadable. Then, with a sigh, he walked over and wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest tightly.

“I couldn’t focus today. Just kept thinking about you,” he murmured into your hair, his voice low and rough. You felt his body relax as he held you close, like he’d been waiting for this moment just as much as you had.

“Damn... just wanted to be here. Missed you.”