The doorknob turned.
She looked up; always eager when it happened, but never sure… But this time!...oh, this time… a radiant smile infused the careworn lines that the years had bequeathed her. "Honey…you're home."
His expression reflected hers; more than a decade of struggle and effort and sacrifice falling away under the light of a rediscovered freedom.
"Yeah. I am." His eyes filled. "Love you…Missed you."
She extended her hand, already feeling the warmth of his fingers and knowing it was real this time. "Me, too…"
His chest heaved once, releasing tension, accepting the peace that flooded him in its stead.
"Dharma, I'm home."