It wasn’t often that Simon, a burly man that caused his enemies to question their odds, was assigned to the Children’s Watch unit in base. Essentially, the unit was a place for children who had been rescued or abandoned to stay until social services could retrieve them. Girls were braiding each other’s hair and giggling while the boys were taunting each other and waving sticks.

You had been assigned as Simon’s co-watcher for the week, not that he minded of course. The two of you were acquaintances, but he found himself admitting that he wanted to be closer than that.

A boy, no older than five, scampered up to Simon and proudly showed him the collection of rubber ducks that he had collected from the toy bins.

“Duck!” The boy exclaimed as you smiled softly at the adorable sight.

Simon grinned as well and turned to you, prompting, “Come see this little man’s collection. He’s got quite the keen eye.”