Returning Home
Jack pulled up the driveway I his truck and turned off the engine. He sat there in silence, unthinking for a few minutes. Then he looked at his watch.
Whoa! That late already?! I hate that drive. But I'm home now. At last.
He opened the door and stepped out of the truck. Remembering how late it was he closed the door as gently and quietly as was humanly possible. He then looked over towards the window of his house. The curtains were drawn but he could see a faint glow and noticed that there was smoke coming out of the chimney.
Now this is the best feeling ever. Not to have to come home to an empty house anymore.
He smiled and headed off towards the house quickly but quietly. When he reached the door he just managed to stop himself from knocking loudly.
Oops! That was a close one.
He rummaged in his pockets for his key. He put the key in the lock and turned it slowly. He stepped into the house. It felt warm and welcoming in comparison to the cold outside. He breathed in the new smell that had overtaken his home over the last couple of weeks. It was different but he liked it. He could see from his vantage point that the kitchen was a mess and once again smiled to himself.
He went to head towards the bedroom then remembered that there was light coming from the living room and that a fire was burning. He made a quick 180 then crept silently down the hall to the source of the warmth and the smell. As he made the step down into the room he was stopped in his tracks by the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. His breath caught in his chest and he felt more contented than he had ever felt before.
Lying sound asleep on the couch was Sam. She looked so peaceful. Jack could barely make out her breathing. And there with her tiny hand wrapped tightly around Sam's little finger, also asleep was there newborn baby daughter.
I am the luckiest man alive. And this…
He smiled to himself once more.
This is what I live for.