Home=♥

"Home is where the heart is."

We've all heart it,

all seen it displayed by various signs,

throughout countless houses.

But I've never really experienced it like this.

The instant happiness the moment I realize we've crossed state lines and seeing the "welcome" sign.

The warmth I feel as I pull in to park.
How I run up the stairs instead of a leisurely walk.
The way our eyes light up when the font door opens and we see each other for the first time since we've been apart.
Being pulled in for a hug with such force...
such anticipation...
such longing...
such love...
before I even set my luggage down.

How when it's time to go I can't bear to even be near the door.
The cling of desperation as we hug goodbye.
The tears that fall, and knowing that there is someone there to catch them.
The shallow smiles that we share, already feeling the loss that has yet to happen.
The eyes that look so dead and beaten down.
How my legs trudge slowly down the steps and to the car, reluctant to leave.
A pull at my heart to stop the car, just turn around and go back;
Go back to the comfort I have in their arms.

I have a home here.
10 hours away, in a place I've only been to once, I have a home away from home.
A piece of my heart is there,
Not just there; a piece of my heart is with THEM.
It always will be.

-A.