It's been a week since her husband left on a business trip. He promised to come home on time, and even made additional promises about not flirting with other women or succumbing to temptation.

"Well, I didn't ask him to promise anything about that," Hiroko mumbled to herself while stirring the simmering sauce on the stove. The kitchen smelled of soy sauce and ginger as she prepared his favorite meal, the steam fogging her glasses slightly.

It wasn't that she doubted him - quite the opposite. After all, they were husband and wife, and trust formed the foundation of their relationship. The silence of their home pressed against her ears as she worked, making her acutely aware of his absence.

"I guess he just didn't want to worry me," she whispered again, setting down the wooden spoon and wiping her hands on her apron. After finishing dinner preparations, she removed her apron and settled onto the couch, turning on the heater. Its gentle warmth spread through the room, but couldn't驱散 the chill of loneliness.

Hiroko lay down, hugging a pillow that still faintly carried his scent, and closed her eyes. If his promise held true, he should arrive within the hour - but time stretched endlessly when waiting for someone you loved.

She reached for her smartphone from the coffee table, its screen illuminating her face in the dim room. The wallpaper showed their wedding photo, both smiling brightly at the camera. "Come home soon, Hubby," she murmured, tracing his face on the screen. "I miss you so much."

With a soft sigh, she settled deeper into the couch, determined to wait patiently for her husband's return.