The Return

There was an air of excitement in the house today. Not only was it Williams 7th birthday,but also his daddy was coming home tomorrow. He was arguing with his little sister Eva who was only four. She wanted to put up the birthday banner on the front door whereas he wanted the "Welcome Home Daddy" one he had made. Thankfully the baby was oblivious to the commotion, happily messing with her own feet.
To say William missed his father was an understatement. His daddy was his world, his hero and his wrestling partner. It had been a long tour this time mum had said and she knew William had felt it, but she had kept them as busy as she could.

Jess had managed to speak to Adam a couple of days ago, just before his phone card ran out, to confirm that there were no delays this time. He would definately be back on the Tuesday. This would also be his last detachment in Afghanistan, it was time for him to move on from the army and he was glad if it. The dust got in his eyes and in his soul, he unlike others didn't feel they were making a difference. He had been coming here for 10 years and at first he thought he could make a difference, change the children's lives but each time he felt it pointless. It was always same old shit just a different country.

As usual in preparation for his return, Jess tidied the house from top to bottom. She also tried to tart herself up as much as she could with three children in tow. She missed him even more this time. Just the tiny things, even his annoying habits and of course the closeness. She always found that people didn't understand how she coped and how they could still be so in love after all these years and being apart for such long spells of time. What they couldn't feel was it was just like the first rush every time he came back. Despite the smell of sand and sweat on his return, she could still smell him under it all. The years and the stress had been good to him, he was still as handsome as the day they met. It's a cliche but he WAS tall, dark and handsome with the bluest of eyes. Pools that she just wanted to dive into and swim forever. They were blessed with three beautiful children William, Eva and Niamh who was just six months old. As this was the last, she was looking forward to at last enjoying all their milestones together.

The children had eventually managed a truce on the banners. The "Welcome Home Daddy" would go on the front door and the "Happy Birthday" in the dining room. They were now helping in the big tidy, putting their toys away so Jess could start vacuuming. She didn't take much notice of the news on the TV in the background as she zoomed around the room. It was always the same old same old as far as she was concerned. She had just unplugged and was wrapping up the cord when Eva shouted from the kitchen window "daddy's home, daddy's home".
It's impossible she thought, but William and Eva were storming pass her to get to the front door. Jess ruffled her fingers through her hair and checked herself in the mirror before going to the door.

But the bell rang. The children were still bouncing up and down in the stairs thinking daddy was playing a game. Jess shaking, opened the door and her worst nightmare had been confirmed. Two uniformed men stood there with Adams brother behind them.

All she could think was how will I tell them.

This is my first attempt at a short and it's very short. So any thoughts or criticism would be welcome.
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