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Sunny and clear of clouds. You could have sworn you had seen the mirage of a rainbow in the near distance as you gazed out of the window that was in your line of vision. You hummed to the radio as you finished washing the last spoon and placed it in the draining board to your left.
You leaned your palms against the sink and got lost in your thoughts as you watched a cardinal perch itself on your windowsill for a short moment before it made its way back into the air.
It was soft moments like this that you wished you could share with Steve, your husband. But you couldn’t. Hes been overseas, fighting a war that should have never started in the first place.
You would receive a letter in the mail from him three times a week, occasionally he’d send a picture of himself, or even pictures of his platoon. You cherished those pictures, placing them in a scrapbook that you had sitting on your desk in the bedroom.
The sun poured into your kitchen, casting a golden glow on everything it touched. The warmth was comforting, a stark contrast to the cold reality of Steve's absence. You sighed softly, feeling the weight of missing him more acutely in these tranquil moments.
You’d grown accustomed to this rhythm of life—finding solace in the little things, holding on to the memories captured in those letters and photographs. Each letter was a lifeline, a bridge between you and Steve, filled with his familiar handwriting and the love that never wavered despite the distance.
As you finished drying your hands, you glanced around the kitchen, taking in the simple, serene setting. The flowers on the counter, the cozy chairs, and the little trinkets you’d collected over the years—all these things were touched by Steve in one way or another. They were part of the life you built together, and now, they were all you had to hold on to until his return.
You wandered to the desk in your bedroom and pulled out the scrapbook. Flipping through its pages, you saw Steve’s smiling face captured in various moments—some in uniform, some relaxed and candid. Each photo was a testament to the life you had together and the future you hoped to reclaim.
Just then, a gentle knock at the door drew you from your reverie. You opened it to find a small package on the doorstep. Your heart skipped a beat as you recognized the handwriting on the label—it was from Steve.
You hurriedly brought the package inside and set it on the kitchen table. Your fingers trembled slightly as you opened it. Inside was a small, intricately carved wooden box. Attached was a note, written in Steve’s unmistakable script:
My Dearest Y/N,
I came across this while traveling and thought it would make you smile. It’s a little piece of the world I’m in right now, a reminder that I'm always thinking of you no matter how far apart we are.
I love you more than words can say. Stay strong, and remember, I’ll be home soon.
Forever yours, Steve
You carefully lifted the box lid, revealing a delicate locket nestled inside. It was engraved with a small heart and a photo of Steve. Tears welled up in your eyes as you clasped the locket around your neck. It was as if Steve was right there with you, wrapping you in his love and comfort.
You stood by the window, the locket resting against your chest, and looked out at the clear sky. The rainbow you had imagined earlier seemed a bit more real now, a symbol of hope and promise. The world was still filled with beauty, and even in the midst of uncertainty, there was something to hold on to.
You knew the days ahead would still be challenging, but with Steve’s love and the strength you drew from him, you felt ready to face whatever came your way. The sun shone brightly, and the cardinal’s song seemed to echo the sentiment of a hopeful heart that awaited the day it would be reunited with the one it loved most.