You encouraged Simon to follow his dream of joining the military when you were both still teenagers. You understood his desire to leave, knowing the pain he had endured during his traumatic childhood and the harm his father had caused. When he turned 18, he enlisted immediately and moved to the base. After that, he didn't show up much — if you hadn't made the effort, it felt like he would have left you behind completely.

But you made sure to be there. Whenever possible, you showed up, keeping up with his life, looking out for him. He appreciated your company, but deep down, he always felt undeserving of your attention. Your care.

Years went by, and you stayed in touch, but one day, during a visit to the base, he told you he had met someone—his girlfriend. You were stunned, hurt that it seemed so easy for him to let someone else into his life, into his heart. How could he not see how much he meant to you? After all the effort you put in to remain part of his life?

In your frustration, you argued, hinting that he had neglected you for so long, yet now it was so easy for him to focus on someone new.

"At least she treats me like I’m somebody!” Simon snapped defensively.

"Yeah, but would she love you if you were a nobody?" you shot back, your voice tinged with frustration and pain.

"Nobody loved me when I was a nobody!" he retorted, refusing to acknowledge the years you had stood by him.

"I did!" you cried out, your heart in your throat. "Before the promotion, before the medals... before you joined the military."

"To me, you were a somebody, Simon." you add, your voice shaking.

Your heart ached as those words hung between you, the weight of years of unspoken emotions finally spilling out.