#*starter.

The attack changed her, turning her into someone she hardly knew in the beginning – leaving her scared to step outside and entirely too cautious around those she loved. It took over a year before she was able to sleep normally, without nightmares plaguing her or her body jolting awake at the smallest sound. Slowly she began morphing back into the old version of herself, the one her husband and children had become so accustomed to – the version she was sure they longed to have back. While she understood the attack was not her fault, that she did nothing to cause it, she made sure to apologize to her family for the things she put them through. Her husband and children suffered as much as she did, and she felt awful for it. It was the sole reason she requested to return home, to take a trip with only her husband. Now that she was back to normal, they hardly had any time alone, as their children constantly wanted to be at her side.

Being back inside her home, she felt the wave of emotions wash over her, as the memories came flooding back. Her home had been deeply missed, and she was truly surprised everything remained the same. It was like she had never left.

Her bags were set beside the couch as she walked around the home, flicking on the lights as she went. If she had known a trip home was what she needed, she would have asked her husband to bring her long before now. Her body was visibly relaxed, mind at ease, and she felt at peace. Nobody knew she had returned, and she knew she had nothing to worry about. If she kept telling herself that everything would be okay, then surely it would be. Besides, she had no intention of venturing off alone this time. Her husband would be by her side the entire time.

Romana turned, lifting a foldable map off the coffee table, running her fingers over the cover before setting it back down. “Do you remember the first time you came here?” Her voice was soft as she moved towards Joseph, closing the gap between them. “Lost and confused by the roads, needing me to rescue you.” It was the only time she had come to the rescue, but had she not, their lives would be incredibly different. “Just imagine if you had chosen the house next door instead.” Her arms wrapped around his waist as she stood on her tiptoes, pressing a kiss to his chin. In the last year, she hadn’t been very affectionate, only offering a kiss or two when she was close. However, being back in her home, remembering the time they spent together, she was ready for that to change.