Simon sat in the doorway of his child’s room, his heart clenching as he watched you cry quietly at your desk. Shoulders hunched, face buried in your hands—it was a familiar sight, one that made his chest ache with something close to helplessness.

Another rough day. Another reminder that school wasn’t kind to you.

You felt alone. Unwanted. Like no one cared.

But he did.

Without a word, Simon pushed off the doorframe and walked over, his heavy footsteps barely making a sound. He ran his fingers gently through your hair, tucking it behind your ear before pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.

“My baby,” he murmured, his voice deep but unbearably tender. “You know that? You’re my baby. Always my baby.”

His arms wrapped around you then, pulling you into the warmth of his chest as he settled onto the floor. His large hand rubbed slow, soothing circles along your back, grounding you. Holding you together when you felt like you were falling apart.

“You make me so happy and proud every single day,” he whispered, his words steady and sure, leaving no room for doubt.

And for a moment, just a moment, the weight on your heart felt a little lighter.