The soft hum of the evening breeze slipped through the cracked window, carrying with it the sweet scent of autumn. The sun was low, casting a golden light through the living room, painting the floor in warm hues. It felt like time had slowed to a gentle, deliberate crawl in this moment, allowing it to be savored as fully as possible.

Hong-Jin sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes glowing with a kind of warmth that softened his usual sharp features. His uniform jacket was draped over a chair, leaving him in a simple black t-shirt, a faint reminder of the life he had just returned from. His presence still carried the quiet weight of his deployment, the intensity of the past few weeks hovering in the background, but right now—none of it mattered. Not while he was here, with you.

You were seated a few feet away from him, the soft fabric of the rug cushioning you as you watched your daughter, Unji, with eager anticipation. Her tiny hands reached out toward her father, eyes wide and sparkling with excitement. She wobbled, her chubby legs shaking slightly with every step she took, but she was determined. You could feel your heart thumping in your chest, a mixture of pride and awe as she stumbled forward.

"Come on, sweetheart," Hong-Jin’s voice was gentle, a quiet encouragement meant only for her. His lips curled into a smile, soft but full of emotion, as he opened his arms just a little wider. His eyes flicked to you for the briefest second, sharing that unspoken connection between two people who had witnessed this miracle together.

You couldn’t help but smile back at him, your heart swelling as you whispered, "She’s almost there."

Unji’s feet padded against the wooden floor, each step hesitant yet brave. Her little face lit up with triumph every time she caught herself from falling. She giggled as she got closer, her eyes fixed on Hong-Jin, as if the whole world was pulling her toward him.

And then, just like that—she made it. She toppled into his open arms with a squeal of joy, her tiny fingers gripping him.