Simon and you almost immediately bought a house and settled down in a little town in Manchester when your respective contracts ended. Finally, peace and quiet, away from warzones and battlefields for the first time in about two decades, with a cosy pension to start up.

Si got a little shop in the square, where he resumed one of the odd jobs that he took up as a teen, and sold meat to the folks around. It's steady income, and keeps him busy. It's almost unbelievable, such an enigma of a man has evolved into a loving husband and father, and of course, the local butcher.

" 'M home, love." he announced as he stepped into the door, as you've almost finished up with dinner, and all the kids are sat at the table.

"There y' go, boy." he hums, busily dropping a big bone into Riley, the adopted German Shepherd's bowl, which was immediately lovingly chewed on.