49. Bliss

She wakes up alone, his side of the bed barely lukewarm still.

It's unusual of him to be up before her, but not unheard of so she can worry about it.

Hermione finds him in the kitchen. He's reading the paper and drinking coffee. Ron even prepared a cup for her, sitting by the sink, waiting for her. But instead of grabbing it, she kisses his shoulder and reaches for his. She takes a quick sip before kissing him lightly on the cheek.

He smiles and greets her. She asks him about today's news as she butters a toast. She slices it in two and hands him a half as he begins a long rant about the new head of the Aurors department.

Her feet pokes his calf softly under the breakfast table and he taps hers back tenderly, ranting still.

All day she can't shake the feeling of darkness yearning to envelop her. She does her best to ignore it. Their day is blissfully quiet and domestic. They chat during breakfast, bicker gently as she washes the dishes, he acts like a starved puppy as they run errands. Later, they meet Ginny and Harry for drinks at the pub.

She only realises why today felt so gloomy as her head hits the pillow, right before she falls asleep.

Today was the anniversary of the day he left.

Hermione fights sleep and snugs her body against his.

"I'm glad you came back," she whispers against his neck.

Ron kisses her forehead. "Me too," his voice is hoarse.