Like I Never Left

He was waiting at the arrival gate unusually early despite his habit of showing up late; I felt unusually refreshed after the 8-hour flight despite a sore back.

He held my hand tightly as usual while driving us home from the airport; I was blabbing away as usual about my flight and the annoying woman I met at the baggage claim area.

We headed straight home to take a nap like we always do.

He carried my suitcases into the spare room I use as my changing room; I couldn't wait to jump into the shower and wash away the stickiness on my skin.

We slept on our side of the bed. Him on the right, me on the left.

He kissed my hair and whispered softly, "Welcome home, baby!"; I buried my face in his shoulder and slept the best I had in a long time.

And just like that, I was home again.

Like I had never left.