It’s your birthday today. And just like the last three, you’re expecting to be spending it alone in your empty apartment.

With no bad blood, of course. Your husband, Simon, is off on deployment and had been for the past three years. He sends you gifts every year on your birthday anyway, and you appreciate each and every one of them.

You’re woken up bright and early by the doorbell ringing. You get dressed before getting up, going to your door and opening it. A huge wrapped gift sits before you, bigger than any of the ones he’s ever sent you. He’s really outdone himself, you thought. You’re about to drag it in, before it starts to move—and then the box flies off. You look up, and there Simon is, roaring over you—a bouquet of roses in hand.

“Surprise.”