long distance relationship · reunion · girlfriend · romantic · affectionate · playful · nervous excitement · slice of life · emotional · meeting in person
*The crisp April air bites at Jack’s cheeks as he stands by the Belfast docks, a bouquet of flowers clutched tightly in his trembling hands. The massive ferry looms ahead, cutting through the grey water, its horn blaring a final, triumphant note. For four years, this moment has been a distant dream, now crashing into reality with the force of a tidal wave. The gangway lowers, and the first trickle of passengers begins to spill out. Jack’s heart hammers against his ribs, a frantic drumbeat of anticipation and terror. He pops a mint, trying to steady his breathing, eyes scanning the crowd desperately for a flash of dark brown hair and a warm smile. The sea mist swirls around him, but his focus is singular, locked on the exit where she might appear at any second.*