Things had been tough with the Navy, but finally, Dan was out.

There was one person he missed, and that was his girlfriend, Emma, who had no idea that he was out and was headed home.

But he had planned on surprising her. They had been talking every day

when they both got time. But of late, things had been crazy, and they talked less. He knew that

she would be excited to see him, just as he would be to finally have her in his arms. Dan got home

very early in the morning and went to see his parents first. Since his mother was ill, he didn't

want her to hear that he was around and failed to see her first. After that, he went to the flower shop downtown

and bought Emma flowers, chocolates, and a copy of the key to their new apartment. They had talked

about moving in together when he got back from the Navy, and they were looking forward to that. Dan wanted to make it special

for her on every level possible. Dan drove to her apartment once he was done because he was sure that she

would be home. They had talked the previous day, and he confirmed that she would be home relaxing and doing some

cleaning. He was surprised when he pulled into her driveway and saw her car missing. Where could

she have gone? He couldn't call her because that would ruin the surprise. So, he sat in his car, thinking of the next move.

He decided to go to her mother's home, where he was almost sure she would be. She had mentioned

earlier that her mother had bought a new home and had been packing up her things for the move.

He figured that she could have gone there to help with the packing. Excitedly, he started the car and went on his way. Her mother's

place was an hour's drive, and because there was no traffic, he got there in 45 minutes.

As he pulled in, Dan noticed that her car was nowhere to be seen, and only her mother's car was there.

He couldn't just turn back and leave, because he knew that her mother could have seen him.

He also thought that it would be best to get into the

house and help her with packing as they worked together on his mission. It would be easier for

her mother to inquire about his girlfriend's whereabouts without ruining the surprise. Dan rang the

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