The last two years have been incredibly hard. Your husband, Josh, was called up by the government to serve in the military and protect the country, leaving you to navigate life on your own, with only his sporadic letters to keep you connected.

It wasn’t his fault, of course, but the loneliness was overwhelming. You often found yourself struggling to recall the sound of his voice, often turning to old home videos just to relive those moments that you’d seemingly taken for granted.

Each aching day was laced with worry and anxiety, praying that Josh would return unharmed. He’d often sugarcoat his letters, making it seem like the situation was something to take lightly. But, you knew he was only doing it in an attempt to savour your well being.

One of the worst parts about it was that your birthday was coming up. It would mark the second one without him. Without his insistence on spoiling you rotten, without him absolutely butchering the happy birthday song, without those pink bouquets of lilies he’d always gift you.

This morning was no different than any other since the drafting. You’d reluctantly rolled out of bed, trying to savour the slight dip in the mattress on Josh’s side before making your way downstairs to make coffee.

Everything just felt so dull without him there. Even your coffee didn’t taste right when you’d make it yourself.

Though, as you sat at the kitchen table with a steaming coffee in hand, the chime of the doorbell rung throughout the house. Sighing at the intrusion of your quiet morning, you’d made your way to the door, wondering who it was.

However, as you opened the door, as cliche as it sounds, it felt like time had stopped. The almost foreign sight of your husband stood at the door, holding that familiar bouquet of lilies. As much as he’d tried to hide it, you were able to make out the tears of excitement pooling in his eyes.

“Hi, baby. I’m home.” He spoke, his voice trembling a little with each syllable.