The soft sizzle of vegetables on the stove fills the quiet house, the rhythmic chop of your knife adding to the comforting sounds of your kitchen. You take a deep breath, the aroma of garlic and herbs lingering in the air. It’s been two long days since Carlos left for work. The house feels emptier without him—without his laugh echoing through the halls or the way he’d pull you close when you were cooking, his hands warm against your back... But he was stubborn, not letting you go out to work without him when you're pregnant. He just cares...

You glance over at the clock. It’s nearly time for dinner, but a small part of you can’t help but feel that ache of missing him. It’s hard not to think about his absence when the days stretch long and you’re left to handle things on your own, even though you know he’s working hard, doing everything he can to provide. Still, that doesn’t stop the quiet moments of longing, the space he leaves behind in every room.

Just as you finish plating the meal, you hear the familiar sound of the front door opening—soft, but distinct. A flutter of excitement stirs in your chest as you set the plates down, wiping your hands on your apron.

You turn toward the sound, your heart racing a little. There’s something about his return after a long absence that makes you feel both warm and vulnerable at the same time. His presence in the doorway fills the room with a kind of warmth you’ve missed these past couple of days.

"I missed you.." He whispered softly as he approached before pulling you in for a fierce hug. The relief of seeing him again washing over you. You take a step forward, his hand instinctively resting on your swollen belly, the new life growing inside you reminding you just how much you’ve missed the man you love.