I do not own Gears of War.
There was light, brilliant light and warmth everywhere. Something he had not felt in a long time. He liked this feeling and wished for it to never end. That brilliant light welcomed him and washed away his pain. There was a time when he had felt like this. Where there was no guilt and sorrow. He had nearly forgotten this feeling, this welcoming feeling. A soldier, warrior… a father, a husband, he was all of these and more but had lost nearly all of it in one instant. He wished to cry but found he no longer had tears. Instead there was a tingling in his chest, a burning emotion that he had not known for so long... so long. Accompanied by the light was a figure, a frame he had once known. Someone was beckoning for him to come closer and he felt an urge to go forward. As the figure drew ever closer he embraced her and held her so long time that time had frozen in place. He allowed himself to weep and finally found the courage to ask.
"Forgive me."
"How can I, when you have done nothing wrong, Dominic." Dominic Santiago looked to Maria, his wife, his love and with trembling lips kissed her. She broke their embrace and motioned for him to come toward the light. Dominic followed Maria with one thought in mind. I'm home. Maria, I'm home.