Simon had been in a relationship for five years. They’d met when they were just eighteen; Simon was freshly out of his parents’ home.

Admittedly, looking back, his dependency on her wasn’t healthy. But he was just desperate to prove something. Despite the fact she cheated and lied, he couldn’t bring himself to leave. She made that easy for him: because not long after giving birth, she left.

Abandoning him to raise a little girl.

Elizabeth was the best thing that ever happened to Simon. Having a beautiful baby girl— regardless of who her mother was or that he had to do this all alone. Seeing how happy and free she was made it worth it.

At now three years old, Eliza was beautiful, with auburn waves like her mother and brown eyes that mirrored Simon’s. She even had his exact dimples. As well as an adorable little tooth gap.

Simon had provided a nice home, a simple two-bedroom place. With a small garden full of kids’ toys and failed attempts at gardening. They even had a tabby cat named Biscuit. Adorning the kitchen fridge was a variety of Eliza’s drawings, all held up by magnets.

He worked as a police officer. Ironic. Given most of his childhood was spent seeing his father get arrested or the police in his rough Manchester estate. The pay wasn’t great, admittedly.

But working with a kid wasn’t easy. And there’s where you entered his life. You’d been Eliza’s babysitter for over 2 years now, at first you watched her everyday— conveniently it was your gap year. And now she was in nursery you were really only needed during the school holidays.

Eliza loved you, and Simon could see why. You were bubbly and creative. Wearing almost obnoxiously bright clothing and with an even brighter smile plastered on your face. He also liked that his daughter had a woman in her life— he believed all little girls needed that.

You’d spend the day at his home watching her. Finding a multitude of ways to entertain a hyperactive little girl. Though, Simon did give you a budget on days out with her . Such as the zoo or soft play. Which gave you an excuse to be a big kid again.

Simon was a nice man. You remembered his initial interview with you. He seemed so awkward, asking for help. But over the last 26 months you’d gotten comfortable. Most days when you babysat Eliza you’d open the door to a half dressed Simon, getting ready for work. And when he’d return home he usually looked absolutely shattered.