Agnes couldn’t help but agree-fate had a funny way of bringing people together. Without it, even standing face to face might not be enough. As the evening rolled in, she stood by the study window, her eyes fixed on the fiery clouds streaking the sky. She was waiting for his call. He’d promised to reach out after work, and she was holding him to it.
In the kitchen, Mrs. Brown buzzed around, humming to herself. She was thrilled Tom was coming home today. But once the meal was ready, she found Agnes and made her excuses. “It’s my grandson’s birthday,” she said, already grabbing her bag. “I promised I’d spend the evening with him. You don’t mind, do you?”
Agnes tried to protest, but Mrs. Brown was insistent. “Really, it’s fine. You two enjoy your dinner.” With that, she was out the door, leaving Agnes feeling a little awkward.
Just as Tom was pulling up downstairs, his call came through. “Bubu, I’m here. Be up in a sec.”
“Okay,” Agnes replied, a smile tugging at her lips. “I’m waiting.”
“Oh, and Mrs. Brown’s off to see her grandson,” he added. “She does that sometimes-cooks and then bolts.”
“I thought maybe I made her uncomfortable,” Agnes mused.
Tom chuckled as he stepped out of the car. “Nah, don’t overthink it. She’s just got her own life.”
“Alright.”
“I’m here. Be up in a minute.”
“I’ll open the door.”
Agnes hung up, her heart fluttering. She’d been waiting all day for this moment. She missed him so much it almost hurt. Setting the phone down, she swung the door open and leaned against the frame, her eyes glued to the elevator. The numbers climbed steadily until it dinged on their floor.
The doors slid open, and there he was-tall, familiar, and exactly who she’d been waiting for.
“You’re back?” she asked, her voice soft but brimming with warmth.
Her eyes sparkled, and Tom couldn’t help but smile as he stepped inside, giving her head an affectionate pat.
“Go wash up,” she said, nodding toward the sink. “Dinner’s ready.”
But Tom didn’t move. Instead, he opened his arms wide. “No hug?”
Her smile softened, and she didn’t hesitate. She turned and leapt into his arms, her laughter ringing out as he caught her effortlessly. “Have you been painting all day?” he asked, holding her up.
“How’d you guess?” she asked, dangling in mid-air.
His gaze was warm, teasing. “You’ve got that look. Like you’ve been lost in your own world.”
“Maybe,” she laughed, resting her head on his shoulder. “Some people are just little sources of inspiration, you know.”
“So I’m helping your career now?” he teased, clearly pleased.
“Absolutely,” she said without missing a beat. “You’re my muse.”
“Guess that’s the point of us meeting,” he said, setting her down gently by the sink. “We’re both getting better.”
She hugged him tightly. “Exactly.”
Tom nudged her toward the sink. “Wash up. Let’s eat. I’ve got some stories from the lab today.”
“Really?” she asked, turning to him with wide eyes. “You can talk about that?”
“Sure can.”
They washed their hands and settled at the table. The rice and dishes were still steaming as they picked up their chopsticks.
Tom launched into his stories, and Agnes listened intently, even though most of it went over her head. But it didn’t matter. She was just happy to have him home.