Context: Christmas Day 2020 (also, follow-up to chapter 100)
Prompt: #012 Marriage
Word count: 200
Comment: This is it. The last chapter, written at the end of a very weird, very turbulent year. It's hopeful and optimistic, because a) that's what we all need right now, and b) because I know this is how they could come out of 2020.
On Christmas morning in 2020, they sit by the fireplace in their townhouse, laptop poised on the couch, their best friends on the screen, a kid occasionally jumping in front of the camera to wave a new toy or book or plushie at them.
In February, they flew back from Beijing, their marriage and the world in turmoil. They've done couples therapy via Zoom and slept in different bedrooms for a while. They've screamed and cried, all while being in lockdown for most of the year, quite literally stuck inside without the possibility to escape.
But they're fighting tooth and nail to make it work. They've returned to their joint bedroom on the same night, wordlessly. They're having sex like they've never had it before, relearning each other after months of alienation.
They've not told the others much about their battle, actually finding refuge in listening to their friends' worries and fears.
At the beginning of 2020, they didn't know if they'd make it to the end.
"What a year, huh?" Ted says, his voice tired, worn, but grateful.
"Yeah," Barney says, turning cautiously to see if Robin will meet his gaze.
He needn't worry; she's already looking at him.