Bikeriders Serenade

Miles Apart

Austin's plane touched down in Cincinnati, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows over the city. The airport buzzed with the usual hustle and bustle—passengers dragging luggage, the murmur of conversations, and the intermittent announcements over the PA system. He took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and homesickness as he made his way to the car waiting to take him to the house Jeff Nichols had arranged for him.

As the car navigated through the city, Austin took in the sights of Cincinnati. The historic architecture, the lush greenery of parks, and the majestic Ohio River winding its way through the city provided a picturesque backdrop. The city had a certain charm, but it was missing something—his family.

The house he arrived at was nestled in a quiet neighborhood, its brick exterior giving off a warm, inviting vibe. Inside, the decor was tasteful and comfortable, yet it felt empty without Lucy and the kids. Austin unpacked his suitcase, his mind drifting to the family he had left behind.

Meanwhile, back home, Lucy was trying to keep everything together. The house felt different without Austin's presence. His laughter, his comforting presence, his strong arms that made her feel safe—it was all missing. She glanced at the clock, knowing Austin would call soon.

Lori, their four-year-old daughter, was coloring at the kitchen table, her brow furrowed in concentration. Timmy, their two-year-old son, was playing with his blocks on the living room floor, occasionally glancing toward the door as if expecting his dad to walk in any moment.

The sound of the phone ringing broke the silence, and Lucy quickly answered, her heart fluttering at the sight of Austin's name on the screen.

"Hey, love," Austin's voice came through, filled with warmth and longing.

"Hi, Austin," Lucy replied, her voice soft and tender. "How was your flight?"

"It was fine. I'm settled in now," Austin said, looking around the unfamiliar house. "I miss you all already."

"We miss you too," Lucy said, her eyes filling with tears. She took a deep breath, trying to stay strong. "How's Cincinnati?"

"It's beautiful, but it's not home," Austin admitted, his thoughts drifting to the familiar sights and sounds of their own house. "I can't stop thinking about you and the kids."

"We're managing," Lucy said, though her heart ached with the effort it took to keep things running smoothly without him. "Lori and Timmy are handling it the best they can. Lori's been asking about you all day."

Austin's heart clenched at the thought of his daughter missing him. "Can I talk to them?"

"Of course," Lucy said, turning to Lori. "Lori, sweetheart, Daddy's on the phone."

Lori's face lit up, and she grabbed the phone eagerly. "Daddy! When are you coming home?"

Austin smiled, though his heart felt heavy. "I'll be back as soon as I can, pumpkin. How's my big girl doing?"

"I'm okay," Lori said, her voice small. "But I miss you."

"I miss you too, Lori. Be good for Mommy, okay?"

"I will," she promised.

Timmy toddled over, reaching for the phone. "Dada!"

Austin's heart melted at the sound of his son's voice. "Hey, buddy! Are you being a good boy?"

Timmy nodded, his little face serious. "Yes, Dada."

Lucy took the phone back, her voice trembling slightly. "They miss you so much, Austin. It's hard without you here."

"I know, love. I miss you all more than I can say," Austin said, his own voice thick with emotion. "But we'll get through this. It's just for a little while."

Lucy sighed, trying to be strong. "I know. It's just...I feel like a part of me is missing."

"I feel the same way," Austin said, closing his eyes and picturing Lucy's face. "But we have to stay strong for the kids."

"We will," Lucy said, her voice steadier now. "Just promise you'll call every night."

"I promise," Austin said, his heart aching with the need to be with his family. "Give the kids a big hug and kiss from me."

"I will," Lucy said. "I love you, Austin."

"I love you too, Lucy," Austin replied, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'll call you tomorrow."

As they hung up, both Austin and Lucy felt the weight of the separation pressing down on them. But they also felt a renewed determination to make it through, knowing that their love for each other and their children would carry them through even the toughest times.

---

### Reflections in Cincinnati

As the night settled in, Austin sat on the couch in the quiet house, his mind racing. The city outside was alive with the sounds of traffic and distant chatter, but inside, it felt eerily silent. He missed the familiar noises of home—the laughter of his children, the soft hum of conversation with Lucy, even the simple sounds of everyday life.

Austin thought back to his childhood, remembering the times he and his mother would get lost in Disneyland, laughing despite their predicament. He remembered the surprise days off from school when his mom would take him to Knott's Berry Farm, their shared love of roller coasters bonding them in a special way. He vowed to create similar memories with Lori and Timmy, to be the kind of parent his mother had been for him.

### Reflections at Home

Back home, Lucy tucked Lori and Timmy into bed, the routine feeling both comforting and lonely without Austin there. She kissed their foreheads, whispering promises of Daddy's return and stories of their adventures together. As she turned off the lights, she felt the quiet of the house settling around her, a stark contrast to the vibrant, noisy days when Austin was home.

Lucy sat on the couch, the soft glow of a lamp casting a warm light over the room. She felt the weight of the day pressing down on her, the responsibility of being strong for the kids, of holding everything together while Austin was away. She missed his touch, his reassuring presence, the way he could make everything seem okay with just a smile.

### A Shared Determination

Despite the distance and the challenges, both Austin and Lucy felt a shared determination. They knew this separation was temporary, a small sacrifice for the dreams they were building together. They knew their love was strong enough to withstand the miles between them, and their commitment to their family would see them through.

As Austin lay in the unfamiliar bed, the city lights casting a faint glow through the curtains, he thought of Lucy and the kids. He knew they were all looking at the same moon, feeling the same love and longing. And he promised himself, once again, that he would always be there for them, no matter the distance or the time apart.

Back home, Lucy climbed into bed, the quiet of the house wrapping around her like a heavy blanket. She missed Austin deeply, but she also felt a sense of pride and strength. They were doing this together, supporting each other even from miles apart. And that was enough to keep her going, to keep her strong for their children.

In two cities, connected by love and the shared promise of a future together, Austin and Lucy closed their eyes, finding comfort in their memories and the hope of being reunited soon.