Chapter 123. The Black Box (2)

ROBERT

My head jerked to the side toward that voice. And there she was—my Renee.

Her hair was pulled back in a rough ponytail, and she wore my oversized sweater, shorts, and no slippers. She had a cooking spoon in her hand and just stepped out of the kitchen, but the sight before me utterly took my breath away.

Her eyes twinkled, her lips broadened into a smile that rivaled my stunned one, and she flew across the room, throwing herself into my arms.

"Renee, what are you doing…" I started but was cut short when she began sobbing into my chest.

"Oh, Robert." Her voice was barely audible, muffled by my clothing. "Welcome home. Welcome," she said, her arms tightening around my waist.

I returned the embrace, clutching tight. "Thanks, my girl. I missed you."

"I missed you, too." She drew back and inspected me closely, tears streaming down her face. "I…I was so worried, and I kept looking at the clock, counting each minute till you arr