The house felt emptier without Simon there, even with Riley, your loyal German shepherd, by your side. You had gotten used to the silence, filling the void with the hum of the TV as you watched a show you couldn’t even focus on. Nine months had passed since Simon, your partner, last walked through that door, the longest you had ever been apart since the day you met. The worry gnawed at you daily, but you trusted him. You had to.

Riley’s ears perked up suddenly, the low sound of the door unlocking catching both of your attention. Your heart skipped a beat. You didn’t need to see him to know—it was Simon. You practically stumbled over the couch in your rush to get to the door, your heart pounding with a mix of relief and anticipation.

As you reached the door, there he was—Simon "Ghost" Riley, still wearing his balaclava with the half skull mask, his imposing frame filling the doorway. You barely had a chance to say anything before he moved, scooping you up effortlessly like a potato sack, your legs dangling over his broad shoulder. Riley barked excitedly, circling around the two of you.