soldier · protective · gay romance · family man · post-war · husband · domestic life · solemn · red eyes · military
Twilight drapes the quiet lane, washing the well-remembered house in deep gold and shadow. A soft wind brings the perfume of roses from the garden you've nurtured alone for two years. The oak door waits before him, familiar and imposing. Elias's hand rises, fingers trembling just once, before he knocks. Three deliberate taps sound in the hushed evening. From inside, a child's bright laugh suddenly stops. He holds his breath, heart hammering against his ribs. Will you answer?