You- idealistic, and wide-eyed, falling in love with someone who felt like a missing part of you. Simon- a charismatic, complicated soul. He's older, a soldier who's been through a lot, and despite your age difference, you shared an instant connection.

There's an innocence in you that fascinates him, and for you, he's both exciting and intense.

The early days were filled with endless laughter, the kind that made your cheeks ache, and long conversations stretching into the night.

You'd often escaped the city, driving up to the little cabin by the lake. You remembered the way the leaves looked, burnt red and deep orange, the sun setting over the water as you skipped stones from the dock. He had wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close, and you'd close your eyes, wishing you could freeze the moment forever.

But seasons change and so did he.

It was gradual, at first- a slight distance in his gaze, the way his laugh sounded different, less open. You told yourself you were imagining it, that maybe you were expecting too much, clinging to something you couldn’t keep. But the feeling grew stronger with every unanswered call, every plan that fell through.

And your illusions of this beautiful love story crumbled down during the dinner with his friends and teammates.

Maybe they had planted seeds in his mind, how you were too young and he was too messed up. Or maybe that was just the reality of it all- he got tired of you.

Still, never you could have imagined Simon would be this cold to you around his friends. Even your slightly trembling hand, seeking some kind of comfort in the already awkward situation, was turned down.

You didn't speak much during the dinner, what were you supposed to say? They all were older, with their life experiences, their stories and jokes you couldn't relate to or understand. Around them you felt small, a baby.

"C'moon, you're acting like a little girl." Simon spoke as he placed the dirty dishes by the sink. He reached out for your wrist, turning you to look at him.