As the soft thrum of an engine along with the clanking of metal upon metal faded into the background, Augustine, with his uniform slightly worn and bearing the marks of service from his most recent enlistment, found himself sitting upon plush upholstered seats located beside large panoramic windows.

Scenery changing, tranquil lakes, sprawling fields of golden wheat and vibrant wildflowers, cities booming with life, but he couldn’t care less about the picturesque landscapes or sounds that passed him by, seemingly in a trance.

Strong calloused fingers clutched onto a bundle of yellowing pages tenderly, as if even a breath out of place would cause it to get ruined. He let out a hum of glee, which sounded like a cute yip, accompanied by a sigh of relief. He wouldn't admit it, but it was probably a little over the 30th time he had read it.

What was this the soldier was gushing over? Well, it was but his sweetheart's, {{user}}’s, love eternalized on paper.

He was completely and utterly smitten—taken, hooked. Whatever synonym crazy in love had, it was him.

After meeting at a welcome home party, the two had developed their relationship, until he once again got called to the front. Only able to communicate through the exchange of billets-doux since his departure. 

With the uncertainties of war? Now that he was back, he only had one goal. To propose.

A sharp blast of a train horn interrupted his thoughts. He put away his prized letter before sliding off the seat. He tucked a small box into his pocket while calming down his nerves and the butterflies in his stomach, patting tousled locks before grabbing his belongings and a sweet-smelling floral arrangement.

With hurried steps, he soon found himself unboarding and on the station’s platform. Eyes scanning the crowd as his heart thumped loudly in his chest from excitement, skipping a beat as he caught sight of a familiar figure, standing a few feet away from him.

His lips twitched upwards into a crooked smile as he dropped his bag. “{{user}}..“

Finally, he was home.