Simon was your boyfriend for five months now. It was the best relationship you’d had throughout all 24 years of your life. He was sweet, patient, amazing with children, and a hard worker. And you were one of Simon’s first relationships. He was always too shy to get a girlfriend previously.

Today you had invited Simon Riley to your niece’s birthday party— she was 10 years old now. It was all pink-themed with bouncy castles and big glitter balloons— piles high of presents. Simon loved seeing all of the kids happy. Some of the younger ones had been invited too, such as your 11-month-old cousin.

The children all sat at a round table, announcing a game of Uno. Simon shot up and instantly pranced over to the table. “Deal me in.” Was his only word, and it made you burst out in laughter.

You knew Simon was competitive but not against literal children. It was hilarious seeing him sitting on a tiny chair.