Hi guys, I'm back. Firstly, I owe you guys an apology. The past year has been pretty hectic and demanding for me so I haven't put in much time to update this story. I want to express my sincere thanks to my readers who have favorited and reviewed this story. Before 2018 ends, I really want to keep this story going so here's the next chapter! Happy new years in advance too

The shuttle rattled heavily as it reentered the atmosphere. It was as if a light switch had been flipped on abruptly as in an instant, the dark stretches of space were replaced by the light streaming in from the shuttle windows.

"Woah… that's pretty bright" Jake said as he squinted, his eyes readjusting to his new environment. The seemingly small patches of brown and green as seen from the ISS morphed into a vast expanse of land. In the distance, Jake could vaguely make out the outlines of roads and buildings. Jake and Ute sat in silence for a few moments as they took in the sights from high above in the shuttle as it continued its descent. It was disconcerting for them as just a few hours ago, they had thought that they were going to leave this world with all of its beauty, its magnificence, its people, behind.

"Houston to shuttle 142, runway 3 cleared for landing. ETA 10 minutes." A loud voice boomed from the speaker.

"Roger that" Ute replied.

Within minutes, the shuttle touched down on the runway, its tires screeching. As the craft taxied and came to a stop, they could see a whole fleet of emergency vehicles parked around them, reminding them of the gravity of their ordeal. Jake and Ute shared a smile as the door of the shuttle opened.

It sure was good to be home.

Stepping onto hard asphalt was a surreal experience. The sensation of having solid ground beneath their feet was overwhelming for Jake and Ute as they took a few steps apprehensively. By now, the setting sun had cast a pinkish-gold hue over the sky. Looking up, a 'whoa' escaped their lips in unison. Experiencing a sunset might have been a daily occurrence for most but Jake and Ute stood in silence for a moment to experience such as beautiful moment which they had almost lost the opportunity to experience again. "I guess you don't really appreciate life in all its glory until you have it taken away" Jake mused to himself as media cameras flashed at them. Applause rose around them as they made their way towards the convoy of SUVs lined up on the runway.

After the initial excitement and buzz had waned, Jake decided that it was time to head home. After all, he couldn't wait to get back to his daughter who had been waiting for him anxiously all this time. The feeling of Ute's fingers interlocked in his caused him to cast a smile at her. Life sure is good he thought to himself as they made their way to his blue ford pickup. On the ride back, Ute rested her hand on his thigh as she fell into a peaceful slumber. In a few hours, the blue pickup rolled into the dirt road outside his trailer.

"Wakeup sleepy head" he whispered as he kissed her forehead tenderly. Ute merely let out a reluctant groan and settled back into the comfort of the seat. Letting out a sigh, Jake slipped his muscular arms underneath her back and lifted her up. With her face buried snugly in his chest, he moved slowly towards the door of the trailer. After laying her gently onto his bed, Jake couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth run through his entire being as Ute slept peacefully. After getting a quick bite and a shower, he curled up beside her as fatigue took over him.

Jake awoke to Ute stirring beside him. As his eyes fluttered open, he felt the warmth and softness of her body enveloping him in a tight embrace. Looking into her eyes, he leaned in for a kiss. As their lips collided, Jake savored the taste of her on the tip of her tongue. After what felt like a few seconds but was probably a few minutes, they pulled away from each other.

"We gonna lie here for the whole day or what? C'mon I'm hungry." Ute said after a while as she pulled herself off the bed. Jake smiled and followed her into the kitchen.

Thanks for reading guys, I'll update it next week. In the meantime, I wish y'all a happy new year and all the best in achieving your goals.