Capítulo 58: Chapter 58
Location: Virek, Kowalski's Residence
Date and Time: July 15, 2555 – 0930 Hours
The sound of soft footsteps fills the house, a rhythmic patter that brings a smile to my face. Emily is in the kitchen, humming quietly as she goes about making breakfast, and from the other room, I can hear the unmistakable giggle of our daughter, Lina. She's always on the move these days, getting into everything, her curious little hands grabbing whatever catches her eye.
I lean back in the chair, sipping my coffee as I watch her toddle around the room, her tiny fingers trailing over the back of the couch. It's been two years since everything changed—since I left active duty and settled into the Marine Reserves, trading deployments and combat rotations for a life of stability. A life that, back then, I never thought I'd have.
"Tom, can you get her?" Emily calls from the kitchen. "She's about to knock over the vase again."
I chuckle, setting my mug down and standing up just in time to scoop Lina into my arms before she topples the vase. She squeals in delight, her chubby little hands grabbing at my shirt.
"You've got to be careful," I say softly, bouncing her lightly in my arms. "Mom's not going to like it if you break that."
She just giggles, her eyes bright and full of mischief. I shake my head, smiling down at her. It's moments like this—these quiet, everyday moments—that remind me why I made the choice to step back from the frontlines. To be here. To build something real.
As I carry her into the kitchen, Emily looks up from the stove, her smile warm and familiar. "Thanks," she says, turning back to the sizzling pan. "She's been getting into everything lately."
"I noticed," I reply, setting Lina down in her high chair. "She's got your curiosity."
Emily laughs, shaking her head. "And your energy."
We share a quiet smile, the kind that comes from years of understanding. Two years ago, I never would have imagined this—being here, with a family, living a life that feels settled. But now, it's all I want.
As Emily finishes up breakfast, I glance out the window, watching the soft breeze rustle the trees in the distance. The base is still there, a constant presence in our lives, even if I'm no longer in the middle of the action. My old squad is still out there, rotating through the same missions and patrols we used to run together. I still keep in touch with them, still feel that pull to be part of something bigger, but things are different now.
I've got something more important here.
"Are you thinking about them again?" Emily asks, her voice soft as she sets a plate of food in front of me.
I nod, glancing up at her. "Yeah. It's strange, not being out there with them."
She sits down across from me, reaching out to take my hand. "You're still part of it, Tom. Even if you're not on the frontlines."
"I know," I say, squeezing her hand. "But it's different. They're still in it, still doing the work we signed up for."
She smiles gently. "And you're doing something just as important. You're here, with us. And they're proud of you for that."
I glance over at Lina, who's happily munching on her breakfast, her little face smeared with food. Emily's right. This is just as important. But there's still a part of me that misses it—the camaraderie, the mission, the sense of purpose.
As if on cue, my comms device buzzes from the kitchen counter. I reach for it, glancing at the message. It's from Santiago—a quick check-in, letting me know they're heading out on another rotation.
Santiago: Heading out again today. You'd laugh if you saw the new boots they sent us. Catch you soon.
I chuckle, shaking my head. Some things never change.
Emily watches me, her expression thoughtful. "Do you miss it?"
I hesitate, then nod. "Sometimes. But I wouldn't trade this for anything."
She smiles, leaning over to kiss me softly on the cheek. "Good answer."
The day passes in a quiet rhythm, filled with the everyday tasks of family life. Lina keeps us busy, exploring every inch of the house and keeping us on our toes. In the afternoon, we take a walk through the town, passing by the base where I used to serve. It's strange, seeing it from the outside now, but I know this is where I'm supposed to be.
As we walk through the park, Lina toddling along between us, I feel a deep sense of peace. This life—this family—it's everything I never knew I needed. And even though I still feel that pull to be part of something bigger, I know that this is where I belong.
Estado de energía semanal
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