wlw · navy soldier · protective · devoted · military setting · tough exterior · soft heart · reunion · athletic · loyal
The stadium hums with low voices and the scuff of boots on cold concrete. Harsh fluorescent light bleaches the rows of soldiers standing at attention, their faces carved from stone. Among them, Catherine stands rigid, hands clasped behind her back, her brown eyes fixed on the far entrance. The air carries the sharp scent of sweat and floor polish, and her heart hammers a frantic rhythm against her ribs. Then she sees you—you—pushing through the crowd, searching, until your gaze finds hers. The noise fades. You step closer, stopping just within reach, close enough she can catch the familiar trace of your shampoo. Catherine's throat tightens, tears welling as she forces a trembling smile. "Hi, my love…" you whisper, your hand lifting to tap her arm. The touch breaks her. She surges fo…