A proper welcome

The plane ascended slowly. Inside, the air was cool dry. Compared to the months he had just spent in the desert and was very refreshing. With the last bit of strength he could muster, he reached up and flipped off the overhead light and drifted off. His dreams were filled of the past experiences. Bullets snapping into the sand or huts around him. In his dream he could feel the dust kick up in his face, the recoil of his rifle slamming against his shoulder. In his minds eye, he was still in the desert. He awoke from turbulence. It was still dark out. "How long have I been asleep?" He asked himself as he rubbed his eyes. When he had taken off it was dark and he could feel the plain descending now. But he recognized the lights. He had reached his destination.
Chills ran down his spine. "What if she's not here?" His mind wondered off into a million different scenarios. As he grabbed his bag from over head, many recognized his uniform and shook his hand and welcomed him back. He smiled and said thank you to everyone. But only one welcome in particular mattered. He walked off the plane and went to retrieve the rest of his luggage. He stood there watching the metal spin and dazed into it. Waiting. He put his hand into his pocket and felt sand. Taking a deep breath and letting it fall to the floor, he wondered how long the past would be with him. From behind came the familiar voice. He didn't turn yet. He knew she had come.
He grabbed his bags and before he could even turn around she hopped off the floor and into his arms. This catching him off guard and sending them both to the ground. He opened his eyes and saw the calm blueness of hers staring back into his. Her blonde hair falling in waves onto his face and chest. He picked her up and stood up and kissed her. Long and very affectionately. Months of time, sorrowful and short phone calls. Letters with the occasional dirty picture from her. All leading up to them reunited. As he set her down she couldn't help but cry.
Her tears of happiness were wiped away with him rough hands. He kissed her forehead and pulled her close into him and whispered "I'm home." Her hand fell into his as they started walking away together. The welcome back that he had hoped for, made reality.

Author's Note

Please let me know what you think

Reviews

[M. Black]

A great story. you've accomplished a lot in such a short piece. a great read :)

[gabiaimee]

I love the plot and how it all unfolds as you read. There are a few grammar errors I would recommend fixing but it doesn't really take away from the story. I love how not much is known in the beginning, and the more you read the more you learn and the more you understand. Such a sweet, heartfelt story! I would love to see more detail on his emotions as he waits to see her again, and maybe even as he is finally reunited with his love. I look forward to reading more of your work!