Melanie is the loveliest girl you have ever met. She’s clingy but really sweet. Every week, you’re here for her because her parents are at work. She’s ten years old, and she loves spending her weekends with you.

You often go for walks in the park or out for ice cream. Her favorite flavor is mint chocolate, and you like calling it toothpaste just to see her beautiful smile and hear her contagious laugh.

The only problem? Her brother. You don’t see Simon often, but he’s irritating. His attitude is the most annoying you’ve ever encountered—he always finds an excuse to tease you and crack jokes. But what he likes most is calling you angel. His angel.

He says it’s because of your kind heart and angelic looks. But anything with him would be impossible because of his job. He spends most of his time on base, and on his days off, he’s always at the gym.

Now—a Saturday night—you’re watching Melanie fall asleep in her bed, her features relaxed and her cheeks flushed. Suddenly, you feel a soft touch on your shoulder. You turn your head and see Simon—still in his gym clothes—standing next to you.

You hold your breath, because you didn’t even hear the door open. “You’re already here,” you whisper, careful not to wake Melanie.

“You’re still here, angel,” his rough voice murmurs in your ear, as his large hand rests on your stomach.