Chapter 4: The Sound of Relief

The footsteps grew louder, and I could sense the tension in my body begin to dissipate. I took a step forward, my heart pounding in my chest, as I waited for Hange to come into view. The hallway was dark, but I could see the faint outline of his figure, his shoulders slumped as if he was weighed down by something. As he turned into the kitchen, our eyes met, and I could see the exhaustion etched on his face. His eyes, usually bright and full of life, looked dull and sunken, and his skin was pale. He looked like he had been through a lot, and my heart went out to him. "Hange," I whispered, my voice barely audible. He looked up, and his eyes locked onto mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the only sound the hum of the air conditioner in the background. Then, he smiled, a small, weary smile, and began to move towards me. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as he approached, and I opened my arms to him. He walked into them, his body tense, and I could feel the weight of his exhaustion. I held him close, trying to absorb some of his pain, and he let out a deep sigh. "I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice muffled against my chest. "I'm so sorry I left you alone for so long." I pulled back, looking at him, and he met my gaze. His eyes were filled with apology, and I could see the guilt written all over his face. "What happened?" I asked, my voice soft. He shook his head, and I could see the tension in his body begin to ease. "It's complicated," he said, his voice low. "I'll tell you everything, but not now. I just need to rest for a little while." I nodded, understanding. He looked like he was on the verge of collapse, and I knew that he needed to rest. I guided him to the couch, and he collapsed onto it, his body sinking into the cushions. As I covered him with a blanket, he looked up at me, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice barely audible. I smiled, trying to reassure him. "You're safe now," I said. "You're home." He closed his eyes, and I could see the tension in his body begin to ease. I sat down beside him, taking his hand in mine, and felt a sense of peace wash over me. He was home, and he was safe. That was all that mattered. As I sat there, holding his hand, I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him. What had caused him to leave me alone for so long? And what was he hiding from? I knew that I would have to wait for him to tell me, but for now, I was just grateful that he was back, and that he was safe.