I thought I'd lost you…

I felt the tears welling up in my eyes, the emotions I had been holding back for so long finally breaking free.

I leaned against him, pressing my face into his chest, my arms wrapping around him as if I could hold him together, hold us together.

The warmth of his body was a comfort, but it couldn't erase the cold fear that had gripped me for days.

I held him tightly, my fingers digging into his back as the tears began to fall.

"Where were you?" I whispered, my voice trembling. "I was so scared… I thought you didn't want me anymore… I thought something had happened to you… I thought I'd lost you…"

He kissed the top of my head, which only made the tears flow harder. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his lips brushing against my hair. "I'm so sorry, Kristen… but the work was urgent. I had to do it…"