When despair holds me for ransom, I'll find my comfort here; I know that you are... near.
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   Mandy looked around the bedroom she had once shared with her husband. She sank into the bed, her hands automatically catching the tears that ran down her cheeks.

   It had been almost two years since the fateful night, the night that her life had changed forever. Mandy remembered it like yesterday, but at the same time it felt like years since she had been with her husband.

   There hadn't been any warning, no notice that Mandy wouldn't be with him for years. She hadn't had any idea when he left how much impact that day would have on her life...

   Mandy shook herself from her thoughts as she heard her daughter's voice.

   "Mommy?" Amilee called from another room.

   Mandy sighed as she stood up and grabbed her necklace, the reason she had entered the bedroom. She walked down the hall, then leaned over the railing that separated the two floors.

   "Mommy, can I cook something?" Amilee asked, looking up at her.

   Mandy hesitated, watching the girl carefully. "I suppose. There is a little time before we go to the airport." She replied, then walked down the stairs.

   Amilee jumped up and down and ran over to little Ethan. "Ethan! Daddy's coming home today!" She announced to her little brother.

   Mandy watched the children's exchange sadly, wondering for the millionth time why their lives had turned out this way.

   Amilee handed her brother his toy, then ran back over to where Mandy stood. "Can we make cookies for Daddy?" She asked.

   Mandy laughed, taking Amilee's hand. "Yes, we can make cookies." She agreed, allowing the girl to lead her into the kitchen.

~ An hour later~

   "Daddy!" Amilee yelled at the top of her lungs. "Mommy I see him! I really do!"

   Mandy smiled, then shifted Ethan to her other hip. "Amilee, when Daddy gets here, he will probably be tired." She warned her.

   Amilee shrugged. "He will be home. Daddy will be home and he won't leave again." She replied confidently.

   "Hey Ami." Caleb greeted the girl.

   "Daddy!" She screamed, throwing her short little arms around his neck. "I missed you."

   Caleb's eyes met Mandy's, and she shrugged. "Amilee, why don't we go get Daddy's luggage; then we will head home." She suggested.

   This seemed to please Amilee, who quickly nodded and grabbed Caleb's hand.

   Mandy smiled sadly as she walked the two of them walk over to baggage claim. "That's him Ethan. Amilee thinks he is here to stay, but he is only able to stay until he gets placed. I just don't have the heart to tell her." She whispered to her son, then hugged him close to her.

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   *Amilee is pronounced ah-ma-lee; and Ami, (her nickname), is pronounced ah-me