I had some help

Eleven

●2019●

Bailey stood in the doorway of his cozy Nashville house, his guitar case slung over his shoulder and a duffle bag at his feet. Alex watched silently from the living room, her arms crossed tightly against her chest.

"I can't believe it's time already," Bailey murmured, his voice tinged with both excitement and sadness. "Two months on the road. It's gonna be wild."

Alex forced a smile, trying to hide the unease gnawing at her stomach. "Yeah, it'll be an adventure. I'll be here when you get back."

Bailey stepped closer, setting his guitar gently against the wall. He reached out to touch her cheek, his expression softening. "I wish you could come with me, Alex. You know I hate leaving you."

She nodded, her throat tightening with emotion. "I know, but this tour is huge for you. You have to go."

He sighed, pulling her into a tight embrace. "I'll call you every day. And I'll be back before you know it."

They stood there for a long moment, holding onto each other as if trying to freeze time. Finally, Bailey reluctantly released her and picked up his guitar again. "I better go before I change my mind." He said with a sad laugh, trying to lighten up the mood.

Alex managed a small smile, blinking back tears. "Go rock those stages, Bailey. I'll be cheering you on from home."

With a last lingering look, Bailey pressed a kiss to her forehead and walked out the door. Alex watched him go, her heart heavy with mixed emotions. She knew this tour was Bailey's dream come true, but that didn't make saying goodbye any easier.

As the door closed behind him, she sank onto the couch, clutching her knees to her chest. Two months felt like an eternity, but she was determined to support him every step of the way, even if it meant waiting anxiously for his return.

Alex hated waiting for people to come back home, all it reminded her of was when her brother was in the military.

The summer sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the front porch where a young Alex sat, her legs swinging back and forth as she waited. She was clutching her favorite stuffed animal, a worn-out teddy bear named Mr. Snuggles, and her eyes were fixed on the driveway.

Alex was only eight years old, but she understood enough to know that today was special. Her older brother, Ethan, was coming home from the military. He had been gone for what felt like forever to her young heart, and the letters and occasional phone calls hadn't been enough to fill the void his absence left behind.

"Mom, when is Ethan coming?" Alex asked for what seemed like the hundredth time, her voice a mixture of excitement and impatience.

"Soon, sweetie," her mother replied gently, brushing a strand of hair from Alex's face. "He'll be here any minute now."

The wait seemed endless. Alex watched every car that passed by, hoping each one would be Ethan's. She imagined what it would be like when he finally arrived-the hugs, the stories, the way he would lift her up and spin her around like he used to. She missed his laugh, his playful teasing, and the way he always made her feel safe.

Finally, a familiar car turned onto their street, and Alex's heart leaped. She jumped up, nearly dropping Mr. Snuggles in her excitement. Her mother stood beside her, a hand on her shoulder, as they both watched the car pull into the driveway.

The door opened, and there he was. Ethan stepped out, looking older and more serious in his uniform, but the moment he saw Alex, his face broke into a wide grin.

"Ethan!" Alex screamed, running towards him with all the speed her small legs could muster.

Ethan crouched down, opening his arms wide just in time to catch her as she launched herself at him. He lifted her up, spinning her around just like she had imagined.