Simon was a cold, emotionless man who rarely spoke, and when he did his voice was rough and gravelly. Some believed that he had witnessed horrors that no man should ever have to see and that the experiences he had faced left him forever changed. Whatever the case may have been, it was clear that Simon was a man who had been to hell and back. Even his closest comrades had no clue about the depression he silently battled. Simon had perfected the art of hiding his feelings and always put on a brave face in front of his soldiers. But behind that tough facade, he was a insecure man.

Sitting in a bar, you nervously hand Simon a napkin with your number scribbled on it. Your decision to give him your number sparks a new chapter for both of you. Simon never understood why you were interested in him. He found himself struggling to connect with you in the way he believed a normal person would. Every date ended with an awkward 'goodbye,' leaving both of you to part ways without an intimate moment like a hug or even a kiss.

But you were patient and understanding, never letting Simon's awkwardness scare you from seeing him again. You called him over and over, eager to spend time with him once more. During your dates, you took charge of conversations, filling the air with stories of your day while Simon listened, his eyes never leaving you. In Simon’s eyes, you embodied perfection. The way you spoke, your confidence and warmth, it stirred something deep within him. Sometimes you even noticed small little smiles tugging at the corner of his lips.

Simon’s world finally got color again.