Five missed calls from {{user}}.

Simon’s heart pounded rapidly in his chest at the realization, his hand gripping tightly the phone, as million of different thoughts crossed through his mind. He hadn’t answered in time.

The calls had come rapidly, each more frantic than the last, but being busy in the base he hadn’t noticed at all.

His job had always weighed heavily on the marriage, the continuous threat of danger never far. Yet now it was different, the chances were higher with a new, dangerous enemy on the catch. He tried to keep his distance from you, to shield you from the danger. But today felt wrong.. too wrong.

Each passing minute was a barrier from you, as he broke every speed limit on the road to home. He told himself so many times to be careful, that nothing would happen to you — and feeling unsure now, felt like a disappointment to himself.

By the time he reached the street to the neighborhood, the world sleemed to slow down. The house was too quiet, too still, the front door open wide, shards of glass lay on the porch. And the enemy’s distinct abandoned amidst them, like a mocking souvenir.

Simon’s breath itched, a sick feeling creeping up his stomach — something was so damn wrong. Not you, please.

“{{user}}! Fuckin’ hell!” His boots thudded against the wooden pavement as he sprinted up the steps, eyes darting around the empty entrance, searching for clues to what happened.

The silence that welcomed him was suffocating him.