Line's We Shouldn't Cross

The scent of roasted lamb filled the Laurent living room competing with Elena's signature lavender potpourri. Victor sitting in his armchair held a half-empty glass of amber liquid. "Ten years, darling " he said, ". You're still putting up with me. It's amazing." Elena, perched on the armrest beside him, patted his cheek. "Someone has to keep you from burning down the house with your grilling experiments, my love." She looked around the room, a glow surrounding her. Maya sprawled on a sofa scrolling through her phone pretending to ignore the conversation.. Her ears were perked up. "Don't pretend you're not excited about the anniversary party, Maya, " Elena said gently. "Your fathers planning a speech. It will probably include a dramatic story about our first date." Victor puffed out his chest. "It was an act, Elena! I got a replacement dessert from a restaurant across town fighting rush hour traffic and an aggressive pigeon." "He bought a slice of cheesecake from the deli next door " Maya clarified, not looking up. ". The pigeon was probably just eyeing his shoelaces." "Is Zeke coming?" a relative asked. Elena checked her watch. "He should be here any minute. He just finished at the base." Victor perked up a glint in his eyes. "Ah, Commandant Callahan. Our guardian of the world is visiting us." The doorbell rang, Leo Maya's little cousin sprang up excited. "He's here!" Zeke stood in the doorway looking like a man in civilian clothes. His smile was easy, crinkling the corners of his eyes. He carried a large brightly wrapped gift. Leo launched himself at Zeke, who caught him effortlessly. "Hey champ! Ready to see some drone action?" "Zeke, my boy!" Victor boomed, rising from his chair. He strode towards Zeke saluting exaggeratedly. "At ease Commandant! Permission to enter this home?" Zeke chuckled and returned a mock-serious nod. "Permission granted. And try not to salute vigorously; you might hurt yourself." Elena hugged Zeke, maternal warmth in her hug. "Zeke, darling! It's so good to see you." Maya watched him from the sofa, a smile spreading across her face. When he finished greeting everyone Zeke turned to her his smile softening. "Hey stranger. You weren't going to greet me from across the room were you?" Maya pushed herself up walking towards him with movements. She threw her arms around his neck pressing herself against him. It was more than a hug. It was a declaration. Zeke stiffened for a fraction of a second before relaxing a smile on his lips. He returned the hug. His arms were looser than hers. When she finally pulled back Zeke ruffled her hair, a gesture. "Still the same old Maya I see " he murmured. Maya pouted, swiping at her locks. "Hey! I just missed you, you big oaf." The conversation picked up again as they moved to the dining room. Victor raised his glass. "To ten years of bliss and to the hope that Elena will tolerate my antics for at least ten more." "And to Zeke, " Elena added, smiling warmly at him. "For making it home." The discussion drifted to a mix of mundane and momentous topics. Maya attempted to distract Zeke from Leo's narrative by nudging a plate of potatoes towards him. "So Zeke " Aunt Clara chimed in "Elena told me you're thinking of adopting a dog. A German Shepherd, wasn't it?" Zeke speared a piece of lamb. "That's the plan, Aunt Clara. Something to keep me company when I'm not... Commanding." Victor grunted, feigning offense. "A dog you say? Excellent idea. Perhaps it can offer you support during your duties." Maya interjected, leaning in conspiratorially. "You could just get a cat. They're less needy and much more discerning. Like me." Zeke countered playfully "A German Shepherd might be more equipped to handle life, Maya. Cats prefer napping to duty." What's wrong with a nap?" Maya retorted. "It's a part of strategic planning. A tactical retreat into comfort." Don't you like comfort? She asked dramatically Her eyes locked onto Zekes, a spark of challenge in their depths.. Then just as Zeke was about to respond his phone buzzed shrill in the silence. He glanced at the screen his expression changing in an instant. "I'm sorry everyone " he said, his voice low and serious. ". I have to take this. It's a line, from the Pentagon." The room fell silent, a sense of foreboding hanging in the air. Maya's eyes never left Zeke's face a mixture of concern and curiosity etched on her features. As Zeke stepped away, phone pressed to his ear the room seemed to hold its breath waiting for what was to come next…