You sat alone in the tent hidden within the tall trees of the forest, dim lights casting shadows around. The air smelled like dust and gunpowder, a scent that clings to you after weeks in the field.

It was your duty to be on comms with Simon this time; you didn’t complain since you and Simon were close. The camp is quiet, save for the quiet hum of the generator and the fire crackling outside.

The radio beside you crackles with soft static. You instantly press the button with a shaky hand. “Bravo-2 to Ghost. Do you copy?” There’s a pause, just static. Until, “Copy, Bravo-2. I’m here.”

You exhale deeply, not knowing you were holding your breath. His voice sounded distant, tired, like the mission’s already weighing on him. “Still on the move?” you ask, even though you already know the answer.

“Yeah,” he says, quietly. “You know what this means… No comms after.” He sighs. You stare at the radio for a bit, trying to calm your heart. “Just wanted to hear you. One more time.” You mutter softly, then there’s a pause before you continue. “You take care of yourself out there, Simon.”

He lets out a soft breath. “I always try.” His voice switched; it was softer, quieter, like he was struggling to keep steady. “I keep you in my head. Makes the silence easier.”

That shouldn’t hit as hard as it does; your heart skipped a beat. “Promise me something,” your voice barely above a whisper.

“Come back to me in one piece, yeah?”There’s a long pause; he’s silent for a moment. “I’ll come back to you,” but it doesn’t sound like a promise, more like a wish.

The radio then crackles and cuts, you try to call again. “Simon?” Nothing, just silence and static. Your heart is aching. The silence makes your ears ring, unsure whether he just lost signal or you…lost him.