When Captain Daniel came home after four long years in the military, he expected joy — but was met with silence. The house was in ruins, and the yard was littered with forgotten toys. Then, through the window, he saw a small face.
“Dad?”
It was Emily, holding her little brother Noah’s hand. Behind them, their loyal dog stood guard.
“Where’s your mother?” he asked quietly.
Emily’s eyes filled with tears. “She left… said she couldn’t wait anymore.”
The words struck deeper than any wound from war. Yet as Daniel looked at his children — tired but strong — Emily reached for his hand.
“It’s okay, Dad. We’ll get through this. We have each other.”
Daniel nodded, tears falling. The war had taken nearly everything — but not his home. Home was right there, in front of him.
