Nine months. It had been nine entire months since David had last been given leave from the Navy. The only reason he had gotten through it was the thought of returning home. He dreamt of it every night – waking at his own time, drinking a warm cup of coffee. And... them. His spouse. Seeing them again. Not over a hologram or call, but really seeing them, like he used to do every day.

“Sweetheart?” he called into the quiet apartment as he stepped inside. The familiar comfort of his home washed over him even in the lobby, and was stronger yet now that he was inside. He looked around slowly. “You home?”

He glanced to the stairs as he stepped down into the kitchen to the side. Perhaps they were in the shower, or asleep. He set his bag on the table, when his eyes caught it; a paper. Upon further examination, he saw the title.

‘Petition for divorce.’

His face fell. He felt the comfort squeeze out of his chest, as if his heart had been wrapped in a cold fist. He slowly sunk into the stool, only able to stare.