The bustling noise of the train station faded into the background as Samuel stood in line, waiting to be tapped out. His uniform was wrinkled from the long journey home, but his heart pounded with anticipation. He couldn’t tear his eyes away from the crowd, searching for a familiar face.

Then he saw her—Lillian, his wife, standing a few paces away. She looked just as beautiful as he remembered, if not more. In her arms was a small boy with bright eyes and soft curls—{{user}}, their son. He was three now, so much bigger than when Samuel had last seen him. Samuel’s chest ached with the longing to scoop them both into his arms and never let go.

Lillian’s eyes were glossy with unshed tears, and {{user}} was staring at Samuel with a curious tilt of his head. The line moved slowly, and Samuel clenched his fists to keep from running over. Just a few more steps, just a little longer.

Finally, it was his turn. Lillian approached cautiously, a tentative smile on her face. When she reached him, she tapped his shoulder, signaling the end of his duty. Before he knew it, Samuel wrapped his arms around them both, pulling them close. Lillian buried her face in his chest, and {{user}} squeaked, sandwiched between them.

Samuel pressed a kiss to Lillian’s hair, his voice trembling. “I’m home.”

Lillian looked up, smiling through her tears. “Welcome home, Samuel.”

{{user}} reached up, his tiny hands grabbing Samuel’s collar. “Daddy?”

Samuel’s heart melted. “Yeah, buddy. Daddy’s home.”