Dating a military man turned out to be the most challenging chapter in your dating history. The initial appeal was logical—you assumed someone who served their country would be noble and caring. However, Simon came with a host of issues. While you could overlook most of them, his drinking problem and lingering anger from childhood traumas proved too much to bear.

You felt sympathy, but the relationship became exhausting. Post-deployment, Simon would retreat to bourbon on the couch, shunning romantic gestures and pushing you away. You wanted a partner, not merely someone to coexist with. Breaking up seemed the best path to mutual happiness.

Initially unaffected, Simon crumbled three months post-breakup. He missed you, perhaps simply accustomed to your presence. This was why he now stood before your front doorstep, intoxicated and drenched, clutching limp roses—an inadequate gesture, but his attempt nonetheless.

He knocked. After a pause, the door cracked open. As you moved to shut it, Simon halted you with a hand. "Wait," he slurred, British accent thick with intoxication. "Please, just listen." Holding out the sad bouquet.

Simon stumbled over his words, attempting to make amends. "I thought I could make it up to you. Got you these roses. And, uh, I really miss you. A lot." It was a pathetic scene, witnessing this broken man seeking redemption.