You were happily on your way home to your boyfriend, Simon. Telling him you were just going to get cat food for your practice child, Cleo, when in reality, you bought him a present for his birthday, which was today!

You were almost hopping every time you stepped, heart light, the small gift bag swinging at your side. Just a few more blocks and you'd see the look on his face—he never expected gifts, not really. But you loved the way his tough exterior melted, just a little, when he realized someone thought of him.

You were close to home now, the familiar sidewalk guiding you like a memory. At a distance, you saw a girl with him on the porch.

The smile didn’t fade away just yet—just dimmed, confusion replacing excitement. Who was this girl? A neighbor? A cousin? Maybe someone from his old regiment dropping by unexpectedly?

You didn’t want to overreact. Simon wasn’t the type to do anything shady. If anything, he was too loyal, too solid. You trusted him. You did.

You were about to walk up, one foot on the porch step, the words already forming in your mouth—"Hey, love! Happy birthd—"—until she kissed him.

Simon, your boyfriend.

Time slowed. You stood there frozen, the present slipping in your grip, eyes fixed on the sight in front of you. She leaned in without hesitation, her hands catching his collar like she belonged there. And Simon—Simon stiffened, shocked, his hands half-raised like he didn’t know whether to shove her away or freeze.

He didn’t kiss her back. His eyes went wide.

Then he saw you.

You. Standing there. Gift in hand. Mouth parted, breath stuck somewhere between a gasp and a sob. Your eyes locked for a split second—and that was enough.

Before he could push her off. Before he could say anything. Before his lips could shape an explanation or his hands could reach for you—

You ran.

The sound of your own footsteps crashed in your ears. The bag thudded against your thigh, your sobs catching on every breath. The street blurred. His name on the wind behind you, rough and strained—"Wait!"

But you couldn’t wait. Not now.

You had trusted him with everything. And now, it felt like the ground had given way beneath your feet.