it’s been a long day, no doubt. eli takes a moment to himself, to catch his breath after the long day he’s had being a college professor for pre-med students. a smile as he finally accepts that work is over and now he can spend time with one of his favorite people, besides his kids of course, who are thankfully busy with extracurricular’s or some sneaking off on their own. he couldn’t think about that now, when did he ever give time to himself to be selfish? he’s been so busy, he hasn’t seen isla in a day or two, the days seem to be blending together lately. he has a gift, to make up for it, though he’s sure she doesn’t mind much, she’s understanding, right? he shakes that thought off before it leads into more and finally approaches the front steps of his home, he’d already left the key under the mat for her, shot her a text to let her know she could let herself in and that he’d be there shortly, his kids wouldn’t be home for hours, he’d calculated it all perfectly. he walks through the front door, happy to see she received the text. “hey babe, m’finally off.” a smile, he embraces her with a kiss to her cheek. he feels right at home, finally. “picked these up on my way home.” he smiles, passing her a bag of her favorite candies and chocolates. “sorry i’ve been so busy lately.”