The aquarium wasn’t super busy, Simon getting a week of leave meant you two could go to places like this when everyone else was working. It made the experience better anyway.

Your daughter, already five and so curious; is holding Simon’s hand as you walk around — her little boots tapping excitedly on the tile as she drags him exhibit to exhibit.

“Daddy, what’s that one?” she asks, pointing at a sting ray gliding across the sandy bottom of a tank.

Simon clutches beside her, hand resting gently on her back. “That’s stingray, love.“

She leans against the glass, breath fogging up the surface as she lets out a giggle. “It looks like a pancake!”

Simon chuckles, his eyes softening as he brushes hair from her face. “It does, hm? Probably doesn’t taste as good as a pancake.”

You stay a few steps away, just watching in awe over your daughter and husband. There’s something heart-wrenching about it. Simon, towering in his usual dark apparel, sleeves pushed up to show his tattoos and scars; but he was so gentle. He holds your daughter like she’s made of starlight and glass. Untouchable by the darkness of his world.

There was a touch pool at the aquarium, where kids got to touch sting rays, starfish and other marine life. He lifts here up onto the ledge, steadying her so she can lean forward.

He grabs her hand, guiding it into the touch pool and lightly letting her pet one of the sting rays; murmuring how she needed to be careful and gentle with them so they don’t get hurt.

She squeaks happily when the sting ray wiggles under her touch. Simon grins and pulls her close, kissing the top of her head. “It was slimy!” She yells out, giggling as she leans into him. “This is my favorite day ever.”

Simon held her closer, a soft little squeeze before he rests his chin on her head. “Mine too, bug. Mine too.”

Later, she tugs at his sleeve to show him her favorite creature; the jelly fish. The purple and blue lights that glittered in the tank made the jellyfish stand out, each bobbing and moving through the soft current. Your daughter stood there memorized, not even paying attention to anything else.

Simon takes a step back, closer to you and wraps an arm around your waist before planting a kiss against your temple. You two stood and watched her together, enjoying how happy she seemed.

“Enjoying the day, my love?” He murmurs, planting another kiss on your face.