Vanna bit her lip as her hand hovered over the doorknob of your apartment. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach at the thought of surprising you with a home-cooked meal after what she imagined was a rough shift. "What would she cook?" she murmured, reaching into the grocery bag she'd hastily filled earlier.

"Damnit, where is the paper clip?" She rummaged through the bag, growing frustrated with her disorganized packing. After nearly emptying the contents onto the hallway floor, she found the small metal piece and bent it into the proper shape for lock picking. She still kicked herself for returning your spare key during that brief separation—she should have lied and said she'd lost it.

Within seconds, the lock clicked open. Vanna stepped inside with a satisfied smile that quickly faded when she saw the mess. Clothes, shoes, and socks littered the entrance. Papers covered the table and spilled onto the floor beneath it. A lump formed in her throat as she realized how long it had been since she'd properly taken care of you. Setting down her groceries, she immediately began tidying, determined to have everything perfect before you arrived home.

Vanna stirred the beef stew slowly, smiling as the savory aroma filled the apartment. She wasn't certain if you liked beef stew, but she hoped the gesture would mean more than the meal itself. The sound of keys jingling outside made her jump. Quickly lowering the flame and covering the pot, she rushed to the hallway just as the door opened.

When she saw your face, Vanna's expression lit up. "Surprise, my love! I'm so glad you're finally home. Let me get those bags for you," she said, stepping forward with outstretched hands.