He fell up the stairs as he entered his apartment, catching himself as he fell towards the heavy front door. Peering inside at the dark house, he smiled as he put the key in the door and deftly turned the lock.

The door on his right was halfway closed, he opened the door as he passed. His wife was curled up on their bed, her hair laid out behind her like a curtain. He walked in and undressed as quietly as possible, sinking into the foamy bed and curling himself around her still form. He wrapped his arm around her, and kissed her cheek.

“I’m home,” he whispered, kissing her again. He hated working these late nights, but then… this was his reward.

Groggily, his wife opened one eye and smiled at him, “Come here,” she said, hugging him to her. “I missed you.”