Arms Through Cold Air That Smelled Like Shampoo

Arms Through Cold Air That Smelled Like Shampoo

I was in the kitchen making coffee before work, and my partner was sitting at the table like usual, scrolling on their phone. They looked up and smiled, and I felt that warm relief I get when they've been away. Then I remembered they'd left for their sister's place two nights ago, and the chair was empty, but I could still hear the mug being set down. I kept talking to them about the leaky faucet anyway. When I turned around they were by the door with their coat on, and also still at the table, and both of them felt like them. I tried to hug the one by the door and my arms went through cold air that smelled like their shampoo. I woke up embarrassed, like I'd been caught missing them out loud.