Daily Flash Fiction Challenge

Amid the dim glow of streetlights, Sarah's heart raced as she stood at the doorstep, her key trembling in her hand. The house was quiet, but an unsettling feeling gnawed at her. She had returned from a weekend writing retreat, eager to see her husband, David. Pushing the door open, she stepped inside.

"David?" she called out, her voice quivering with a mix of anticipation and worry. No response. The house seemed oddly empty, and a cold shiver ran down her spine. Memories of past arguments resurfaced, and she feared the worst.

Walking down the hallway, Sarah's mind raced through various scenarios. She tried to reassure herself, reminding that he might have fallen asleep early or lost track of time while working on his novel. But doubts crept in, casting shadows on her hopes.

As she entered the living room, her eyes fell on a note placed on the coffee table. With trembling hands, she picked it up and read the words: "Meet me at our spot—our beach, where the stars kissed the ocean." Confusion mingled with relief. It was their special place, where they had shared dreams and secrets, where their love had deepened.

The night air was crisp as Sarah walked along the shoreline, the sound of waves soothing her anxious heart. And there, sitting on a blanket, was David, gazing at the stars. He looked up, a mixture of guilt and remorse in his eyes.

"Where were you last night?" Sarah finally spoke, her voice soft yet filled with a mixture of longing and hurt. David sighed, his shoulders slumping as he recounted his evening—a surprise attempt to rekindle their connection, a candlelit dinner, and heartfelt apologies for the times he had let his writing consume him.

Tears welled up in Sarah's eyes, her heart softening. As they held each other under the starlit sky, the words they shared were unspoken yet understood. In that moment, the power of forgiveness and the strength of their bond transcended the unspoken question that had haunted her: "Where were you last night?"