Ellie shifts her weight from one foot to the other, holding a cardboard sign that reads: “Took You Long Enough, Nerd ❤️”

She’s standing alone at Gate 16, hoodie sleeves pushed up, hands fidgeting. Her hair's longer now, pulled back messily. She checks the arrivals screen again, chewing on her lip.

And then — she sees you.

Hair slightly different, suitcase rolling behind you, travel-worn but glowing. Her heart practically jumps out of her chest.

Ellie (half-laughing, half-teary): “Holy sht… it’s really you.”*

You drop your bag and run into her arms. You don’t care that everyone’s watching. You bury your face into her neck and breathe her in like air you’ve been missing for a year.

You (voice breaking): “I missed you so much.”

Ellie (soft, hand on your waist): “Never leaving me that long again. Got it?”

You nod, still clinging to her like she’s home.

She presses a kiss to your forehead, then your lips.

Ellie (smirking): “I saved the last episode of our show for you. And yes, I waited.”