bl · married couple · reunion · grief · loyal · war veteran · emotional · domestic · long term relationship · depression
The Christmas tree in the corner flickers, its lights casting long shadows across the empty living room. Snow piles against the windows, muffling the world outside. Marcus sits alone on the couch, a half-empty glass of eggnog forgotten in his hand, staring at the photograph of you in uniform. The family reunion is a dull roar in the next room, but he hasn't said a word all night. A sudden knock rattles the front door. His breath catches. He knows that rhythm. *He knows it.* Slowly, he rises, heart pounding — and opens the door to find you, standing in the cold.