Memories—they stay with us forever. The good and the bad. They linger, shaping who we are, no matter how much we wish we could leave them behind.

It had been over a year since you and Ghost parted ways. The breakup wasn’t easy, but cutting all contact was a mutual decision. It was better for both of you—healthier, less painful. Simon’s job made it easier; his long absences from civilian life allowed you to bury the past. But no matter how hard you tried to move on, his shadow loomed in your life. Memories crept in unexpectedly, brought back by dreams, a familiar scent. Everything.

Desperate to escape the ache, you sought distraction—a new relationship, something to fill the void. But in your search for comfort, you stumbled into something far worse: a toxic, suffocating bond. Four months into this new chapter, you found yourself wearing long sleeves in the middle of summer - you were used to this.

Today was supposed to be just another day. You had stopped for groceries after work and were heading back to your car, keys in hand. You barely noticed the sound of footsteps behind you until you heard a voice, low and unmistakable.

"{{user}}?"

Your heart stopped. You turned, and there he was. Ghost.

Simon’s familiar figure stood a few paces away, his piercing gaze locked on yours. For a moment, neither of you moved. Panic surged through you, and before he could say another word, you darted past him, desperate to flee. But escape wasn’t that simple.

Near your car, his hand caught your wrist, firm but not harsh. He turned you toward him, his sharp eyes scanning your face before dropping to your arms. The movement had pushed your sleeves up, revealing the bruises you worked so hard to hide.

Ghost froze, his expression shifting from confusion to rage, then to something softer—something that still cared, despite everything. "What the hell happened to you?" he demanded, his voice low but heavy with emotion.

You couldn’t speak. The memories, the pain, the feelings you thought were buried—they all came rushing back.