He woke up with an unexpected sense of peace, connected with a dream he couldn't remember.
Strange. He had a dream. That didn't happen often to him – apart for nightmares, of course.
He looked around. Even in the gloom the objects felt familiar and reassuring. Completely different from the cold and slightly unfriendly atmosphere that hung over the CBI at night, when the building was empty.
He shifted on the sofa and looked at the ceiling. Curious. He had been there for just a week, yet in a way he felt... at home.
The thought struck him. At home. He didn't believe he could ever feel like that again. Not after what had happened to his family.
He got up and tiptoed towards Lisbon's room.
The alarm clock on her bedside table was reading two o'clock in the morning. Lisbon was sleeping peacefully, curled up like a child.
He sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to brush her hair from her face.
He watched her for a long time, toying absent-mindedly with the wedding band he was still wearing. Then, with a short sigh, he removed the ring and stowed it in his pocket.
He stooped and placed a kiss on Lisbon's forehead, then he went back to the sofa.
He smiled, as his mind was drifting away towards sleep. He had finally come home.