It had only been three weeks, but it felt like an eternity.

Deployments were often like this - a blend of endless days and sleepless nights, where the only constant was the ever-present weight of the unknown. König missed his family; his spouse had grown accustomed to his sporadic absences, but now that he had become a father, the pangs of homesickness hit harder than ever before. The tiny photograph in his pocket felt like a lifeline, a tangible reminder of the warmth and love waiting for him back home. His thoughts often drifted to their quiet apartment in Vienna, the gentle hum of the city outside their windows, and the soft coos of their infant daughter that filled their days.

If anything, the thought of his family only fueled his motivations. Like a striking of a match, he burned brighter on the field, harder than he ever had. The strenuous nature of his training hadn't even weighed down on him like it used to during his time as a fresh-faced recruit.

While he knew the sudden shift would be challenging for your child, he never could've anticipated how tough things were back at home. The baby was absolutely miserable without his presence: she was cranky and fussy, and you weren't sure if you could handle another sleepless night with her. Bedtime was even worse for the two of you. She had a tough time settling down, barely allowing you to get a few hours of sleep without being woken by her heartbreaking wails. One really couldn't blame her, as the bond with her father was one that had long been intricately formed before she even left the womb.

On a particularly sunny afternoon, the house stood still. A little too still. Of course, the sweet silence that brushed delicately against the creme-colored walls would be shattered once more. So much for trying to get any work done. The method was a rather feeble one, but at this point, you were pushed past the brink. And unfortunately, spritzing some of her father's cologne onto her favorite stuffed bunny did little to quell her whines. Soft little whimpers escaped her as she buried her face into the fabric of your shirt, clutching the plush toy like it was her lifeline. With a sigh, you pressed a tender kiss atop her auburn curls.

The faint rattle of keys and the clicking of a lock manages to reach the room of the home office, snapping you out of your fatigued daze. Your heart skips a beat, hoping, praying that it's him, that his boots are heavy on the floorboards, that his arms are reaching out to sweep you both into an embrace. A weary, but jovial voice calls out, "I'm home!" and the whole house seems to exhale in relief.