He was alive

She heard a questioning "Hello" from below. Getting up and nearly knocking her chair over, she couldn't make her way to the 2nd floor banister fast enough. Looking below, her heart pounded in her chest and her mouth went dry. He was in the foyer, hat in hand, looking a bit bewildered. Her body reacted on its own; her legs taking her to the stairs. With unsuppressed emotion, she quickly started her descent. Her dress was inhibiting her from going as fast as she could and the frustration of it all wrinkled her brow and made her grimace. Pants should be for women, too. It was alright for her to play in the mud in her older brother's pants as a kid. It should be okay for her to wear pants now, too.

He heard the long forgotten but familiar sound of women's garments swishing around her legs. Her only speed was fast and he knew she was cursing her clothes. A flurry of pastel appeared at the landing and stopped. Time froze as he watched her dress go still but her chest still heave with each breath she took. She was a beautiful butterfly looking for somewhere to light.

She was frozen. It had been 3 years since she last saw his face. His cavalry uniform only compounding the adrenal rush, she reached for the banister needing it to keep her steady. She watched him call her name, but couldn't hear his voice. Again, his lips moved. "Emily." He had told her so many times she was the strongest woman he had ever known but right now she was weak. Her legs trembled as if their one job to keep her standing was too much. He was no apparition. He was alive and here.

Horrified, he saw her sink to the floor. His hat, released from his grip, dropped to the floor. He raced up the stairs to the landing where she was sitting, her dress like cake frosting crumpled up around her. Putting one arm around her, he reached into his jacket and raising the beer can said, "This Bud's for you."

Just kidding!

Kneeling on the floor, he gathered her to him. Her face was wet with tears making her lips taste salty.
"Emily." This time she could hear his voice.