Screaming into the Void

It was like any other day. Then tragedy struck.

Like any other day, you woke up by John's side, gave each other a few slow morning kisses before he has to drag himself out of bed. He gets ready quickly, comes back for one more kiss- which always ends up being more than one- then he leaves for work.

You don't have to be at work for another couple hours, so you sleep in. Your alarm goes off, you get ready, you head to work. It's all the same as normal, you work, you chat with your coworkers, you eat lunch- bought with John's card because he gets very cranky when you buy anything yourself- you finish up your day, you head home. Simple.

At home, you tidy up a bit from yesterday, look through the kitchen to see what you could do for dinner, put a load of laundry in the washing machine.

When John calls you saying he should be home on time, you start something simple for dinner. It's only in the oven for a few minutes when you hear the sound of keys rattling in the door.

John walks in like any other day. At first, you don't notice anything. He's just John, the boy you've known for years who's just really starting to grow into a man. He looks a little down though, so you pull him into a hug, then give him a kiss.

That's when something feels a little... off. It feels like something's missing.

"Your beard!" You gasp, your hands flying to his cheeks. "What happened?"

John sighs.

"Glue accident."

"Glue!?"

He nods, looking very disappointed.

His beard. His precious beard that took him so long to grow out, that he was so proud of, that made him feel so grown up. That drove you crazy in the best way, if you're being totally honest.

You pet his cheeks, feeling the distinct lack of hair. John looks down at you with sad eyes.

"I'm sorry. I know how much you loved it," he says despondently.

Cooing, your wrap your arms around him again and kiss his cheek.

"No, baby, I'm sorry. You loved it, too. Are you gonna grow it back out?"

You feel him shake his head over your shoulder.

"It's takes so long... and it's so awkward in the middle stage. Maybe I'll just wait. Hopefully it'll grow a little faster when I'm older."

You squeeze him, trying to be comforting despite the fit of cuteness aggression rising inside of you. This is a serious moment, come on.

"I'm sure it will, baby. And you still look just as good without it."

John gives you those sad eyes again, but now he's looking for reassurance, which is even worse.

"You promise?"

Oh, your heart is breaking.

"I promise, Johnny." You gently pull him down into a soft, lingering kiss. "There, promise sealed, yeah?"

He finally smiles, just a little, at the inside joke.

"Yeah," he responds, then trails off as he perks up, looking past you to the kitchen. "Smells good..."

His stomach rumbles at that moment and you laugh at his embarrassed blush. You take his hand and lead him to the kitchen, letting him snack on leftover cheese from the block you cut while dinner cooks.

"Have trouble finding time to eat between 'glue accidents'?" You tease lightly.