Simon was never a nosy neighbour. He kept to himself, following the rhythm of his life, dictated by his position as Lieutenant. His travels around the globe had left him accustomed to solitude, a silence he found comforting.

Occasional Conversations with his neighbor {{user}} were few and far between, usually confined to the brief moments they accidentally met outside for a cigarette. They exchanged polite nods, maybe a comment about the weather or a passing compliment about the garden.

He knew little about her, and he preferred it that way.

Simon was observant, though. His trained eyes didn't miss the bruises on {{user}}'s skin, the shadow of a black eye hastily covered with makeup, the wince as she moved her arm. He noticed the way she flinched at sudden movements or loud noises. But he kept his distance, telling himself it wasn't his business.

Her life, her choices—he had no right to intervene.

However, it became harder to maintain that indifference when {{user}} stopped appearing outside altogether. The small space where they used to share silent moments of camaraderie remained empty. The absence gnawed at him, filling him with an uneasy sense of foreboding.

One evening, as Simon walked past {{user}}'s apartment, he heard the familiar sounds of an argument. Her voice, strained and pleading, was barely audible over the harsh, slurred words of her lover. Then came the sound of something breaking, followed by a yelp of pain. Simon stopped, his heart pounding in his chest. His hand tightened around the handle of the duffel bag he carried, the leather creaking under the pressure.

This time, he couldn't ignore it.

This wasn't just another fight; it was violence, plain and simple. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. The noise inside ceased abruptly, replaced by a tense, ominous silence.

Simon knocked again, more insistently this time. His knuckles collided with the roughened wood of the apartment door, until it finally opened..