He doesn’t blame you.

With how little he's been around, he may as well be a stranger. A absentee.

It’s understandable if you keep your distance. His absence during your childhood left a void, the shadows lurking behind him as he came and went making a lasting impression.

Never enough time in between deployments. Never enough patience, never enough understanding.

He would give anything to fix things. To offer guidance, support, and love, like a parent should. But how could he possibly earn your trust, when he's been absent nearly your entire life?

It's 2 am. Simon sits in the kitchen, eating the leftovers. Alone, lost in his own thoughts. A stranger in his own home.

Then—the sound of footsteps from the stairs. He looks up, his eyes finding yours.

"Why are you up so late?"

Sweetheart.