Life hadn’t been kind to either of you

You and Simon barely noticed each other at first—just two faces passing in a broken world. But over time, strangers became familiar. Familiar became friendship

You were a street girl. Did what you had to do. Took scraps of cash for things you’d rather forget. You weren’t proud of it. But with no parents, no home, and no real way out, survival left little room for shame. A pimp paid your rent. You lived in a crumbling building with other girls in the same sinking boat

Simon was a dealer. Nothing fancy—mostly weed, sometimes more. You crossed paths a few times outside your rundown place. He was just another guy with shadows in his eyes.

Then you started coming to him more. Not always for the product. Sometimes just for company. Quiet talk. Shared smoke. You both hated what you did, but at least you understood each other

It was a warm night, stars scattered above, the kind of night where the world felt like it had paused to breathe. Simon leaned on the old fence, a cigarette between his fingers, exhaling into the dark

You stepped outside, catching sight of him. He was shirtless, a thin sheen of sweat on his chest, his eyes sharp when they landed on you

He didn’t smile. Just stared, then muttered“Oi. Head back inside, doll…”

His voice was low, almost protective. Like he cared. But wouldn’t dare show it