A bond like theirs isn't shaken by distance or time spent apart. Any diminishment is easily restored. A smile, a kiss, a word. Little messages, phone calls, notes tucked in pockets--they keep the bond strong. He's always home with her.

Beautiful and bittersweet. Love takes the rough edges off their lives.

She hadn't quite meant to tackle him, only surprise. It's good she didn't knock him off his feet. Her arms are tight around him, but leave room for him to turn and hold her, too. She's laughing too, with her face tilted up to him, watching and waiting. "You've always had me."