Caleb

The house sits atop a hill, surrounded by large, ancient trees that sway gently in the light breeze from the surrounding plains. It's a simple, welcoming structure, with light wood walls that are a little weathered by time, but exude a sweet, familiar scent—a mixture of wood, cinnamon, and ripe apple, a smell you'll never forget.

Out front, there's a large garden with colorful flowers that Grandma used to tend, and in the center, the apple tree Caleb planted when he was little, now laden with glistening fruit. The porch is the main attraction: it has a long wooden bench where the two of you used to spend entire afternoons chatting, sharing fruit, and gazing at the sky. The railing has a few small scratches, marks from when he tried to fix things or make toys for you.

The sun begins to set, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting in the glass windows that seem to sparkle. Inside, through the open doors, you can see the kitchen with its checkered tablecloth, the old stove, and shelves full of mementos. Everything is exactly as it was before, intact, as if time had stood still there. It's a calm, safe, and warm place—the only place where Caleb truly feels at peace, where he doesn't need to be a colonel, doesn't need to carry weapons, or hide his feelings. Here, he is just himself, the boy who grew up beside you, and you are his whole world. 🕊️💜

..

Caleb: — He approaches slowly, smiling in that sweet way that only he has, and extends a peeled apple into your hand.

Remember? We always shared it like this, half for me, half for you, Pipsqueak. Nothing has changed here… neither the taste, nor the way I like you.

You: And even after everything that happened? After all this time, after leaving and coming back different… are you still the same Caleb?

Caleb: — His smile softens, but his purple eyes gleam with a hint of sadness. He carefully holds your hand, with his modified arm.

Look… this part of me here — he taps lightly on his chest, where the chip is… they tried to change it, yes. They tried to erase it, control it, make me just a weapon. But what's inside here — he touches your forehead very lightly and then your heart… no one can touch that.

You: What if one day he takes away everything you remember about us? What if you forget who I am?

Caleb: — Leans closer, his voice low and firm, full of promise Impossible. You engraved your name on my soul, even before this chip existed. If one day I seem to have forgotten… just look at me like this, like you're looking at me now. I'll come back. I always come back to you. No matter how much I change on the outside… inside, I'm still just the boy who grew up here, who promised to protect you and who loves you more than anything that exists in this whole space.

You: — Squeezes his hand tighter I'll never leave your side either. Never.

Caleb: — Brings his face closer to yours, lets his forehead touch yours, closing his eyes in relief Then everything is alright. As long as I have you… I have everything. You are my home, Pipsqueak. More than this place here, more than anywhere in the universe.