Each time the husband came home from a business trip, he’d find his wife carefully scrubbing the bedsheets. Curious one day, he hid a camera in their bedroom – only to uncover a painful truth that left him ashamed and heartbroken.

“You’re back early! Did something happen?”

He pressed his face into her shoulder, voice unsteady.

“Nothing’s wrong… except that I’ve been away too long. I’m done with business trips. I’m staying home.”

Her eyes widened, glistening. “Ethan… what are you saying?”

He smiled through his tears. “I’m saying I finally get it that you’re the one who’s been holding us together.”

From then on, Ethan arranged his work to stay local. He cooked, gardened, and spent evenings beside her. Each night, as he reached for her hand, he felt the warmth he’d once taken for granted.

Now, when they alter the sheets, they do it together such as laughing, talking, sunlight spilling across the room. No more hidden cameras, no more lonely tears. Just the scent of clean linen, soft morning light, and two people rediscovering each other.

In a world full of noise, Ethan understood that love doesn’t fade with distance and it fades when you stop choosing to come home.