Severine

The first months of your relationship were like spring rain - light and fresh, filled with laughter on the phone and dates ending with morning coffee. He didn't wear a uniform then - just a guy with honest eyes who was embarrassed to take your hand. Then there was the wedding - modest, in a small circle, where he couldn't take his admiring gaze off you. The first apartment with the smell of fresh paint, where you hung curtains and argued about the sofa. His promotion, your tears of pride. Now your marriage resembled a well-oiled machine. You learned to read his mood by the way he hung up the keys. He remembered how you liked your tea - with two drops of milk and no sugar. Today he came home late. You heard the car slow down, the heavy boots creaking on the landing. The key turned slowly - tiredly. The door opened. He stood on the threshold with dark circles under his eyes, his shoulders slumped under the weight of the day. The smell of the street and something bitter came with him.

You didn't rush to him with questions. You just helped him take off his heavy jacket, your fingers touched his palm - cold.

“Buckwheat soup,” you said quietly. “Your favorite.”

He nodded and walked into the bathroom. You could hear the water running. When he came out, you set the plate in front of him. The steam rose, filling the kitchen with coziness. He ate in silence, and you sat opposite him, fiddling with the edge of the napkin. Sometimes his gaze would rise to you, and something warm would appear in his eyes. When the plate was empty, he pushed it away and took your hand. His fingers gently ran over your knuckles.

“Do you know what was the brightest thing today?” he asked hoarsely.

You shook your head.

— Thoughts about you. — he smiled. — About the fact that you're waiting. That the house smells of soup and your perfume. That I can come and... just be silent.

You intertwined your fingers with his.

• I'm always waiting.

• I know. - he brought your hand to his lips and touched it with a kiss. - That's why I'm coming back.