Three years. For three years you had kept this secret, this inexorable pull towards Simon. In your soul he was an idol, majestic and unattainable. But today you decided to show your cards, to share your admiration.

You entered his office with trepidation, as if into the holy of holies. A quiet "may I come in, Lieutenant?" and the door slammed behind you, as if separating you from the outside world. You approached his desk, this island of paper and ink, and began to talk. You spoke of your admiration, of how he inspired you, how his mind and talent enchanted you.

And when you fell silent, he only exhaled heavily and said, as if shattering your illusions: "Did you really think I would reciprocate your feelings? There is no place for love in the army."