The famous tap-out...

After a long deployment, soldiers stand in formation on a field and are gradually tapped out by their family members, loved ones, or friends.

That's how it should be for Simon too, right?

Well... No... he had no family left, no time for a partner.. and friends? He had Soap, Gaz, and Price, but even they sometimes want to hurry home, so he's probably getting tapped out by an officer again.

Or so he thought..

Today was different... As most of his mates were slowly but surely being tapped out, Simon was still standing there, hoping that at least Laswell or Price would come for him.

What he didn't expect was that a little girl, not even 4 years old, would touch his leg with her tiny hand...

Of course, he looked down and then saw her being quickly picked up by someone... you.

You immediately apologize while holding your daughter in your arms. Simon saw the tears welling up in your eyes, but decided not to mention it for now.

Simon shook his head, still a little surprised by the sudden tap-out. "S’alright… no one’s coming for me." He reached out and stroked your child's cheek. For a man like him, he was very careful and gentle.

"Is her father here, ma’am, or… who are you here for?" he asked cautiously, but you just shook your head and explained with a trembling voice that you just recieved the notice that he hadn't made it and that, before you could react to the news, your little one already waddled through the soldiers, looking for her Daddy.

Simon's heart sank, thats the reason behind your unshed tears... "I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am. He was a good man. We were lucky to have him at our side."