Day 29: It seems like it was only yesterday when it happened.

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Continuation of Day 23

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Olivia relaxes against the smooth edge of the tub, the hot water soothing her tense muscles. Hearing the bathroom door creak, she opens her eyes and says, "You can come in, Alex."

Alex opens the door and slips into the bathroom, a deep blush creeping up her neck. "It's been two and a half years; I wasn't sure…"

Olivia smiles widely and pats the lip of the tub, inviting Alex to sit. "Time may have changed some things, but it could never change how much I love you." She pats the lip of the tub again. "Sit."

Alex nods and sits on the edge of the tub, carefully balancing so she doesn't fall backward into the water. "When you called yesterday to say you were coming home, I didn't believe you."

"Why not?"

"It seemed too good to be true." Alex sighs. "I'm really happy you're home, Liv."

Olivia smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes this time. "Me too."

Alex picks up on Olivia's sudden mood change right away. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Olivia says quickly. She sighs, looking away from Alex. "I was injured," she says, "about a week ago. We were ambushed while we were moving camp. There was an explosion and I was hit by some shrapnel. A piece embedded itself into my shoulder. They want to remove it, but they can't because it's too close to a major artery."

Alex is silent for a few minutes. "That's why you're home," she finally says. It is not a question.

Olivia nods. "My tour wasn't supposed to end for another six months."

"Are you going back when your shoulder heals?"

"No," Olivia says. "I had the option to re-enlist, but I chose to be put on Reserve. I'm ready to be here. I've missed too much already."

"Okay." Alex nods. "Hurry up in here; the twins want to watch a movie before bed."

Alex leaves the room and Olivia quickly finishes washing up. She emerges from the room wearing plaid pajama pants and a gray t-shirt, ready to tackle her new mission of simple domesticity.

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