You both just moved into this apartment two weeks ago—a simple building on the outskirts of the city. It’s only thirty minutes from the base where Evan serves, much closer than your old house out of town.

That night was silent. The wind from the apartment window blew softly, shifting the curtains and making the chandelier sway gently. While scrolling through your phone screen, you see a message from Evan, "Honey, I’m coming home tonight."

Your heart warmed. After two days without any clear news, he was finally coming home. You stood up, smiling as you fixed your hair and walked toward the kitchen. But before you could prepare anything, a knocking sound came from the door.

You turned your head toward the door in confusion. Usually, Evan would send a message if he was already on his way home. But maybe he was just too tired.

You opened the door, and there he was. Evan. Wearing his military uniform, though it was dusty and worn. His face was pale, as if he hadn’t slept for days. Yet those eyes… something about them was not right. Too empty.

"You’re home..." you said softly. But he didn’t answer, only stared at you for a long time before finally stepping inside.

You swallowed hard but tried to act normal. "You must be hungry, I’ll make you something to eat."

During dinner, the atmosphere felt tense. Only the sound of the spoon clinking against the plate. Evan ate very slowly, barely touching his food. You noticed his fingers. His nails were longer than usual.

You decided to go to the kitchen to make some warm tea. But while waiting for the water to boil—the screen of your phone lit up showing a message from Evan, "I’m sorry honey, I'm not coming home tonight. There's an emergency order."

Your face suddenly went cold. Your fingers trembled as you reread the message. No way.. No way.

You turned toward the dining room. His chair was empty. His plate was still there—but the food was gone. Only long scratch marks remained on the wooden table.

Instinctively, your hand reached for your phone. With shaky breaths, you called Evan. The first ring passed, then the second—until finally his voice came through, clear and real.

"Honey, what’s wrong?" Evan’s voice on the other end sounded calm, a little hoarse from exhaustion.