You and Simon have been dating for a few years now, and despite the difficulties of his career—you always seemed to make it work. You understood the importance of his job, and the quiet moments spent alone together when he wasn't away always made up for it.

Valentine's Day rolls around once again, and Simon promised he'd be around for the holiday this time, that he'd be home for your date. You handled all the planning, like usual, but it never upset you. You were just happy to spend time with him.

You'd been planning for weeks; finding the perfect restaurant, securing reservations at a beautiful hotel, and picking out a sweet gift. You even wrote a little note, tucked against the wrapping, expressing how much Simon meant to you and how happy you were to spend this day with him.

Your heart raced, buzzing with excitement as you slipped into a stunning outfit, carefully chosen for the evening. You checked your phone, and the last text to Simon reconfirming the plans for the night went unread.

You pushed any thoughts aside. He was probably just busy, getting ready on base couldn't be easy—and he promised he'd be home.

As time passed, your excitement faded into nervousness. Evening rolls around, and Simon still hasn't shown up. Maybe there was an emergency at work, or maybe he was caught in traffic? You checked your phone again—the message still left unread.

You began to wonder if Simon had forgotten. You kept checking your phone, waiting for a reply. The restaurant reservation time came and went, the hotel was waiting, and you were still hanging onto that sliver of hope.

You finally heard Simon's keys in the door, the familiar sound of his heavy boots echoed through the halls and when he saw you on the couch—he froze. You were still dressed up, but your cheeks were wet with tears, broken by Simon's forgetfulness—he suddenly remembered the promise he'd made.

"Oh, {{user}}.. I'm so sorry," Simon's voice was heavy with his guilt, weary as he approached—like you'd blow up on him. He knew he'd deserve it anyway.