As the pandemic swept across the world, its impact hit the Gomez family hard, especially Ariana and Dalton, both serving as dedicated medical professionals in the Army. Their work often took them away for months at a time, but when Ariana found out she was pregnant, both she and Dalton decided to put a pause on their deployments to spend time with their daughter.
However, everything changed drastically with the onset of Covid-19. Ariana and Dalton received urgent orders to deploy, disrupting their plans to stay at home for their daughter. Y/n, merely 12 years old at the time, found herself under the care of her grandmother, Joan, who moved in to ensure Y/n was well looked after.
Fast forward to Y/n's 15th birthday—a day that should have been filled with celebration and joy, but a cloud of sadness hung over the household. Joan greeted Y/n as she made her way downstairs.
"Good morning, birthday girl! How are you feeling today?" Joan's warm voice filled the kitchen.
Y/n, with a trace of melancholy in her voice, replied, "Hi, Nonna. I'm okay, I guess."
Sensing Y/n's unease, Joan sat beside her and asked gently, "What's on your mind, my dear?"
Tears welled up in Y/n's eyes as she whispered, "They're not coming, are they, Nonna? Not even for my birthday?"
Joan's heart sank as she embraced Y/n. "Sweetheart, they tried their best, but the circumstances..."
"But they promised, Nonna," Y/n interrupted, her voice cracking with emotion.
"I know, darling. I know," Joan reassured, holding Y/n close as the tears flowed freely.
Just as Y/n was composing herself, the doorbell chimed, prompting Joan's face to light up. "Wait a minute, my love," she said, walking swiftly to the door.
Opening it, Joan was met with the familiar faces of Ariana and Dalton, who had managed to surprise Y/n on her special day.
"Hey there, birthday girl," Ariana grinned, tears welling up in her eyes as she saw her daughter.
Y/n, overwhelmed and elated, ran into their arms, crying tears of joy. "Mommy! Daddy!" she exclaimed, unable to hold back her emotions.
"Hey, sweetheart, we're here," Dalton said, his voice choked with emotion, as they embraced Y/n tightly.
"I've missed you both so much," Y/n sobbed, holding onto Ariana tightly.
"We missed you too, more than words can say," Ariana whispered, her voice trembling as she hugged Y/n close.
Amidst tears and laughter, they found themselves exchanging stories and catching up on the time they had lost. It was a reunion filled with warmth, love, and the reassurance that, finally, they were all together again.
