The Excitement of Reunion

Preparing to Welcome Our Friend Home

There’s a special kind of joy that comes with the anticipation of reuniting with someone dear after they’ve been away for a long time. My wife and I have been counting down the days, almost like children waiting for Christmas, as the return of our close friend from his ten-week business trip to Australia draws near. It's hard to believe he’s been gone for that long; life just isn’t the same without him around. Every little moment—his laugh, our shared jokes, the ease of his company—has been sorely missed. But this weekend, we’ll finally get to welcome him back home, and the excitement is almost palpable in the air.

When someone you care about has been away for such a long time, the urge to make their homecoming extra special kicks in. We’ve both been planning ways to make sure our friend feels just how much he was missed. Of course, there will be plenty of stories to share, a million questions to ask, and lots of catching up to do. But beyond that, I’ve been thinking about the moment we’ll see him walk through those airport doors—the first time we lay eyes on him after so long.

This homecoming felt like the perfect opportunity to put a little extra thought into my appearance. I want to surprise him in a way that says, "We’ve been waiting for this moment!" So, over the past week, I’ve been on a bit of a quest to find the perfect outfit. I rummaged through my favorite shops, both online and in-person, searching for something that struck the right balance between stylish, fun, and just a touch elegant. After all, it's not just any day that our friend returns from an adventure on the other side of the world.

As fate would have it, my search led me to the most charming little second-hand shop, tucked away on a side street I don’t often visit. I stepped inside and immediately felt a sense of nostalgia and possibility. Second-hand stores are like treasure troves—each item tells a story, and sometimes you find just the right piece to add a new chapter to your own.

That’s exactly what happened when I stumbled upon the dress. It’s a chic, black dress with a perfectly pleated skirt that gives it just the right amount of flair. When I tried it on, I knew instantly—it was made for me. The saleswoman, a sweet older lady with an eye for fashion, agreed wholeheartedly. "Darling, this dress was waiting for you," she said with a smile. Her enthusiasm sealed the deal.

The dress is classic yet playful, with a bit of vintage charm that makes it feel timeless. I pair it with something equally special - a set of laced lingerie underneath, real stockings with a garter belt, and a sleek, pink blazer to add a pop of color and contrast. The pink gives the look a bit of unexpected vibrance, while the black dress keeps it elegant. To top it all off, I’ll be wearing my trusty slingback pumps - simple, chic, and comfortable enough for a long day at the airport but stylish enough to make a statement.

Will He Like My New Outfit?

The dress moves beautifully, and I have to admit, there’s something thrilling about knowing I’m wearing laced lingerie and real stockings underneath - because some surprises are just for me (and of course, for our friend too). But, naturally, I’ll have to be a little careful. I’ve realized that if I spin around too quickly in a burst of joy, the pleated skirt might give a cheeky glimpse of those surprises underneath! Not that it’s entirely a bad thing—it adds a playful layer to the reunion, though knowing me, I might just get caught up in the excitement and let it happen.

Surprise, Surprise

It feels good to put together an outfit that’s thoughtful, something that reflects how much I’ve missed our friend and how important this day is. Sure, he might be jet-lagged after a 20-hour flight from Sydney, but I want his first impression when he sees us to be one of warmth and excitement. Maybe it’s a bit dramatic, but isn’t that what reunions are for? They’re moments to be cherished, to make an ordinary day feel extraordinary.

My wife has been planning her own surprise as well—nothing too elaborate, but we’ve got a few of his favorite meals lined up for the the next days. We’ll spend the first few hours chatting over coffee, hearing all about his experiences down under, and swapping stories about everything that happened here while he was gone. But I have a feeling that in those first few moments at the airport, the reunion itself will say more than words ever could.

We’ve missed him more than we can express, and seeing him again will be like a balm for the heart. His absence has reminded us how much we value his friendship and the easy comfort of having him around. It’s in those everyday moments—grabbing a drink after work, sharing a laugh over a silly TV show, even just sitting in comfortable silence together—that we feel the depth of connection.

This reunion isn’t just about catching up on the big stories; it’s about filling in all the little gaps that ten weeks apart have left. It’s about being together again and feeling whole. And so, as we drive to the airport in just a few short days, my heart will be full of excitement, anticipation, and a touch of nerves. I’ll check the mirror to make sure my outfit looks just right, squeeze my wife’s hand as we wait at the arrival gate, and as soon as I see him, I know all the anticipation will melt away in a heartbeat of pure joy.

Pleats for My Beloved Ones

What makes it even more special is knowing how much my wife and our friend both love to see me in pleats. There’s something about the playful swish of the skirt and its classic, feminine charm that they’ve always appreciated. When I first tried on the black pleated dress, my wife was absolutely blown away. She couldn’t stop raving about how perfect it looked—the fit, the flow, and how it captured that balance between elegance and fun. Seeing her reaction alone made the dress feel like the right choice.
But there’s still one big question hanging in the air: how will our friend react when he sees “his” outfit?

He hasn’t seen me in this dress before, and given how much he loves pleated skirts, I can’t help but feel a bit giddy thinking about his reaction. There’s this shared excitement we all have for moments like these, where something as simple as an outfit can spark a deeper connection and add an extra layer of joy to our reunion.

And then, there’s that added little thrill knowing that if I twirl too fast in excitement, the skirt might give away more of the surprises hidden underneath. It’s playful, and it brings an extra sense of fun. Our friend has always had this habit of sweeping me up in his strong arms, effortlessly lifting me like a teenage girl whenever he’s overjoyed. I can almost picture it now—the instant rush of laughter and delight as he picks me up, twirling me around, my pleated skirt swirling in the air. It’s a moment of pure, carefree happiness that will make settling back into the rhythm of being together feel effortless and full of joy.

What makes it even better is that he’ll be staying with us for a few days. We’ll have more than just a quick catch-up—there’ll be long breakfasts, lazy afternoons, and late-night talks where we can soak in every moment of being reunited. It’s the small, everyday things we’ve missed the most, and having him here for a few days means we can relive those little joys together. The house will be filled with laughter, the shared banter we’ve missed so much, and it’ll feel like no time has passed at all.

By the end of it, our hearts will be full, and our friend will feel truly welcomed back. And, who knows? Maybe I’ll even let a few of those surprises slip when I twirl around in excitement. After all, what’s a reunion without a little fun and spontaneity? The next few days will be unforgettable—and I can’t wait to see how he reacts when he walks through those doors and realizes just how much he’s been missed.

On Our Way to Frankfurt Airport

After a short morning walk to shake off some of the nervous energy, we’re now officially on our way to Frankfurt Airport. The excitement is bubbling over, and every mile feels like we’re getting closer to that perfect moment when we’ll finally see our friend again. My wife and I are exchanging glances, both eager and a little anxious, wondering what his reaction will be—especially to the dress and the reunion that awaits. It’s hard to believe the day is finally here. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly, and soon enough, we’ll be welcoming him back with open arms and plenty of stories to tell.