Rostov on Leave

"Rostov felt how his face and soul expanded under the influence of these hot rays of Natasha’s love [his sister], for the first time in a year and a half, into that childish and pure smile which he had not once smiled since he left home."

"Rostov again entered that world of his family and childhood, which had no meaning for anyone but him, but which had provided him with one of the best enjoyments in life..."

"Natasha asked so earnestly and excitedly that it was clear that what she was saying now, she had said before through tears."

Nikolái Rostov returned home on leave between major battles. Natasha was asking him about their cousin, Sónya, who loved Nikolái, and what he thought of her.

~ War and Peace, Leo Tolstoy