Lightning struck outside the large windows, illuminating the figure outside briefly. A man, disheveled and dirty, stood outside the pristine little house. He hoped he wouldn't make too bad a mess! Oh, his darling would be so cross with him then. The man stumbled to the door, stepping inside with a shuffle and a happy hum.
"Darling? I'm home!" He loudly called out, but the house stayed quiet. A light in the kitchen drew him there, now what would they be doing in there so late? "Going for a late night snack, dearest? I know you do love your sweets." A loud clap of thunder shook the house just as he heard their quiet gasp. Oh, had they hoped to keep it a secret? Silly him!
With a muddy squelch he moved toward the kitchen entrance, smiling wide when he saw them. They looked different-or did they? It was all so hard to remember. He’d been gone so long, after all. Poor dear must have been so lonely. Even now they look gaunt, haunted even!
“My dearest, how I’ve missed you!” He made a move to step forward and nearly collapsed as his back made an uncomfortable pop! He laughed it off, despite the grimace that crossed their face. “Oh dear, it seems I’m still a little stiff. No matter, it’s nothing a hug from my adorable darling won’t fix!” He wasn’t deterred when they backed away, choosing to move and close the gap between them instead.
His lovely, playful spouse then decided to run, dodging around the kitchen counters to rush past him. They didn’t make it far, however, as he moved quicker than they expected to grab their arm. With a few sickening pops and clicks, his once stiff arms pulled them into a tight hug.
“Now, now, dearest,” he cooed as they struggled. “Calm yourself, it’s only your husband! You act as if I’m a stranger.”