Hailey's sleepless nights stretched into weeks after Jay, the love of her life, left to confront dangerous drug cartels. Now, he was finally coming home.
"Mama?" Maddie, the youngest asked.
Hailey glanced up from her coffee. "Yes, baby?"
Maddie perched on the countertop, legs crossed.
"When's dada coming home?"
Hailey's heart clenched. Jay's silence had her worried.
"Soon, baby."
As Maddie scampered upstairs to fetch her sister, Hailey wondered what Jay's return would be like.
After Dinner was served. Hailey, Ashley, and Maddie sat around the table, enjoying their chicken pasts.
Ashley, her chestnut hair pulled into a loose bun, pushed her plate aside.
"Mom," Ashley wondered. "Can I show dad what I sang for him?"
Hailey looked up and put her fork down.
"Maybe, not this month." she said. "Dad needs time to settle back in."
"Speaking of dad." Hailey continued. "You both need to understand that he won't be the same. He might zone out, have breakdowns, or not eat for awhile. You also might see him walking around the apartment early in the morning."
Maddie leaned forward, her small eyes filled with curiosity. "Is dada gonna cry when he comes home?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Hailey exchanged a knowing glance with Ashley. "Maybe." she replied gently. "But tears aren't a sign of weakness. They're a release of the emotions he's been carrying."
Ashley nodded. "Dad's been through a lot. He'll need time to adjust."
Maddie chewed her lip. "I just want dada to know we're glad he's back."
Hailey reached across the table and squeezed Maddie's hand. "He'll feel that, sweetheart. And sometimes, even heroes cry."
And so, they waited for Jay's return, they knew that their love would be there to catch every tear.
Hailey tucked both her girls into bed and made her way to her and Jay's bedroom.
The double bed was empty, and Hailey got into her side of the bed and drank some red wine.
To Jay:
Can't wait till you're home, baby.
Hailey placed her phone back on the nightstand and fell asleep.
R/n:
This story will get better, there will be some trigger warnings, breakdowns, some parts with Hank and Will, and a possible for therapist for Jay.
We'll see!
More to come!