2. "You look like you need a hug."
"Papa's home!" Maria excitedly exclaimed before rushing out of the kitchen to greet her father, "Come on, Mama!"
Anya was making dinner and had to ensure any open flames were put out before she could follow her daughter, "I'll be there in a second, Masha!"
Anya's reply fell on deaf ears because Maria was overjoyed to see her father. He always rose early but came back later than usual the past month. Normally when he returned from work, he would scoop Maria up and spin her around, kissing her cheek. However, once she reached the door, she could sense that something was different. Her father looked the same as he usually did after work, sweaty, dirty, and in much need of a bath. Despite this, his facial expression seemed different.
"Masha!" Dmitry exclaimed, "give me a hug sweetheart!"
Like always, he gave her a hug and spun her around, peppering kisses to her cheek. However, his smile looked forced and his voice strained.
"What's wrong Papa?" Maria asked, worry shown in her eyes.
"Your Papa is a little tired, that's all. Now, where is your mother?" Dmitry asked, changing the subject.
"She's in the kitchen," Maria replied.
"Let's go see her then," Dmitry said, carrying Maria with him throughout the apartment.
"Dima, welcome home! I made golubtsy—" Anya cut off her sentence once she saw her husband's face. They had survived Russian winters, jumped off trains, and walked across Russia on foot, but never had she seen her husband look so exhausted.
"Smells delicious," Dmitry said to fill the silence. He put Maria down and walked over to Anya to give her a brief kiss.
"How are you feeling today?" Dmitry asked politely, placing his hand on her protruding stomach and rubbing small circles.
"Well, this little one seems calmer than Maria when she was four months along."
"Wonderful. Anything I can do to help with dinner?"
Pinching her nose, Anya said lightly, "You can wash up. You smell like the docks, Dima. The food should be ready in 15 minutes."
Kissing her again, Dmitry left to take a quick bath. His discomfort walking to their bathroom was not missed by Anya's ever observant eye. She decided not to press him, he would talk to her later.
It was refreshing and relaxing to scrub the dirt and grime off his aching body. Freshly dressed and washed, Dmitry joined Anya and Maria in time for dinner. They engaged in small talk about their day, enjoying the time together as a family. When dinner was done, they fell into their usual routine, Dmitry cleaned the dishes while Anya got Maria ready for bed.
With the dishes done, Dmitry went to say goodnight to Maria. "Goodnight Masha, I love you."
"Goodnight, Papa. Love you too!" They then hugged, and she kissed his cheek. Anya followed suit and said goodnight to Maria. "Goodnight darling, see you in the morning."
Closing her door, Anya and Dmitry got themselves ready for bed. Already bathed, Dmitry changed into his sleep clothes and lay in bed, waiting for Anya. When she finished bathing, she sat in front of their mirror and brushed her hair.
"What's wrong, Dima?" she asked, looking at him through the mirror.
"Hmm, nothing."
Damn that stubborn man.
Staring at him through the mirror, she pushed him for answers. "Dmitry," she said firmly, "I have known you for nearly five years. I can tell when something is on your mind."
Realizing he couldn't hide his emotions from her, despite being a former conman, Dmitry caved. He turned to his side, so his back was to Anya.
"I-I'm just a little tired. That's all," Dmitry said barely above a whisper.
"You look like you need a hug."
Standing up, Anya turned off the light and got into bed. She wrapped her arms around Dmitry's stomach, her front pressed against his back. He moved his arms, resting his large hands on her petite ones. Taking a deep breath, he relaxed his tense shoulders, relishing in the light kisses she was placing on his neck, ears, and shoulders.
"You work yourself too hard, Dima."
"It's all for you, Maria, and our unborn child."
"I know, but we want to see you too. The extra money isn't worth risking your health and not seeing your family."
Carefully turning to face her, Dmitry gave her a kiss on her nose. Up close, she could see dark bags under his eyes and deeper lines on the side of his eyes.
"Dima, I don't want you to miss out on your children growing up. Promise me you will make some changes, for your sake."
"Okay, if that will make you happy," Dmitry said reluctantly.
Grabbing his face, she stared him in the eyes. "No," she said firmly, "I only want you to do it if it will make you happy. I miss your smile."
Smiling back at her, he leaned in and kissed her slow and passionately. "I've missed you, Anya. I'll get my old hours back."
"Excellent," Anya replied, "Now come here, I missed your warmth in bed."
With that, husband and wife fell asleep peacefully: the worry no longer etching their faces and wrapped in each other's arms.