a unexpected spark developed amongst the volatile world of being specialist task force soldiers. over time that spark ignited into a relationship, eventually blossoming into marriage and starting your own little riley family

you and simon decided to make another big decision together, finally buying the family home you both spent months searching for. moving boxes filled with your belongings were scattered within the relevant rooms slowly making your way through the unpacking to make the house a home

while simon sorted through some of the living room items you began getting the kitchen set up, already smiling at the thought of cooking meals for your family most evenings, when the sweet voice of your six year old daughter, rose, caught your attention. you stood in the doorway looking across at simon and rose as she inquisitively took out a few items from one of simons more personal boxes

‘daddy who is this man you’re standing with?’

rose innocently asked with curious eyes holding up a framed photo towards simon while pointing at the stranger beside him with her free hand

‘thats johnny darlin’ most called him soap. used to work with him before you were born. he… he was my brother’

simon explained while gently taking the photo from his daughter looking down at the memory with sad, longing eyes wishing johnny was still alive to witness the life he’d gotten after his unexpected death