You sit by the window of the small cafe, watching the rain streak the glass. You have come here every Thursday for the past four months, hoping the outcome would be different.

The cafe was mostly empty, per usual at this time. It was always the same. The same atmosphere, the same quiet buzz of conversation. And always, the same empty seat across from you.

It used to be filled.

About a year ago, you met a man named Johnny MacTavish at this same table. A rugged soldier with a charming grin, he captivated you within minutes. The conversation between you two flowed naturally, as if you had known each other your whole lives.

From then on, Thursday afternoons belonged to the two of you. You'd always meet up at the same time, at the same place, and on the same day.

But one Thursday, Johnny didn't show up.

Initially, you weren't too worried. You knew of his occupation as a soldier and his choatic schedule. But then there was no sign of him. No message. Nothing.

The next week, you came again. And the week after that. And every Thursday after that. You kept hoping, believing he'd walk through the door, just like before.

But he never did.

As time passed, the hope slowly started to fade, but a part of you couldn't stop coming. You continued to order two lattes, even if you only drank one. The seat across from you remained empty; a spot no one else could fill.

The bell to the front door chimes, announcing the arrival of another patron. You look up instinctively, hoping to see Johnny, only for it to be another man.

Your eyes return to your phone, but moments later, the sound of someone clearing their throat beside your table draws your attention.

"Excuse me?" Standing there, is the same man who just walked in, wearing a skull balaclava. "Mind if I sit?"

Normally, you'd decline, but something around the man's neck catches your attention. Hanging on a silver chain is his own dog tags with the name Simon Riley engraved on them. But that's not all. There's another set, as well, with the name...

John MacTavish.