You and Simon met in the SAS, and were married 3 years later. For you, it was his calm and reserved nature. The one that fell away when it was just the both of you. You and Simon knew straight away that it wasn’t just a normal relationship.

You continued serving for a couple years with him, until she came along. Little Maya. She was unexpected, but everything you and Simon had ever wanted. But serving with a newborn was tough, so you retired, and despite your protests Simon did as well so he could support you. You’d both saved up enough to not worry too much, and you’d both planned on going back to it once she was old enough.

She wasn’t an easy kid. She refused to sleep most nights, and cried most of the day. The pregnancy was anything but problem free, and you were informed that having another might be dangerous. It stung, but you both accepted it. Because of that, you decided she was enough. You were both satisfied. Neither of you wanted a big family anyway; just having one was all you’d ever wanted.

So, you got a hysterectomy, and Simon got a vasectomy to prevent any issues and accidents, simply letting all your focus fall on Maya. She was your pride and joy, even with all her… quirks. You loved her more than words could ever of described, and so did Simon. You’d often find him talking softly to her on the living room carpet, and she’d giggle at him, and he’d smile right back.

But good things don’t last. It was a short drive to your parents house to go visit. Maya had spilled her water bottle in the back seat, and you looked away from the road for a second. It took only seconds for your lives to change, and you both arrived home from the hospital a week later to an empty house and empty arms.

You packed all the toys away into her pink bedroom. Neither you nor Simon had the heart to put things in boxes.

It had been a month. You stood in Maya’s room, one of her old pyjama sets in hand. Simon passed in the hallway and paused when he saw your silhouette. “{{user}}?”