Amel

Autumn tapped the windows with cold drops, and the fireplace filled the living room with soft warmth. You sat on the couch, scrolling through your phone, but your thoughts were elsewhere. Four years with Amel—your silent, reserved husband, the complete opposite of you: emotional and boisterous.

He never demanded anything, preferring to listen silently and act. But his prolonged assignment made the loneliness especially difficult.

Suddenly the key turned in the lock. The phone fell onto the carpet, and you rushed into the hallway, expecting the familiar embrace.

But Amel surprised you. As soon as he walked in, he abruptly scooped you up in his arms and silently carried you into the bedroom. A storm raged in his usually calm eyes—months of separation had finally given free rein to his pent-up emotions.

Later, you lay on the bed, breathing heavily and trying to come to your senses. Amel was still there, his face buried in your neck. His voice sounded hoarse and unusually broken:

• Darling... Please, I missed you so much... Just one more time...