it was well past midnight when leon returned home. not wanting to wake you, he sets his boots and jacket down by the front door and sits on the couch, staring at his scarred hands.

a frown crosses his face. he’s seen a lot for one person, especially one who hadn’t even turned thirty yet. everything he wishes to forget flashes through his mind… he feels that heat behind his eyes, one he hasn’t felt since childhood. he clenches his fists.

and for the first time in years, he cries.