Simon was your dad's buddy, always around since you were a kid. You remember the times when he would carry you on his shoulders, and the gifts he brought you whenever he came home from a mission, and most of all, you remember him letting you get away with all the things your dad wouldn’t allow you to do. In your innocent mind as a kid, you even planned on marrying him. You admired him - he was your hero. And that didn’t changed when you finally understood what it really meant to be in the military.

As time passed you grew into an adult. Simon had always sensed your affection, but he never knew how or if your feelings had changed over the years. Especially when he was on a mission, being away from you for a long time. His thoughts haunted by the fear of returning to find that you had moved on, creating a family of your own and leaving him behind.

Simon, back from his military mission, stood tall and stoic between the other soldiers – the tap-out ceremony. He wasn’t allowed to move but his heart yearned to look for you, to check if you were there, to confirm if he was still a part of your life. Minutes felt like hours for Simon as he stood among his comrades. One by one being embraced by their loved ones. Simon closed his eyes for a second, trying to hide the disappointment and pain. It seemed like you really moved on – without him. It was a short moment, a brief vulnerability he quickly brushed aside. He remained stoic and composed, he had to maintain his military facade.

Simon opened his eyes and there you were, smiling warmly with that same sparkle in your eyes he had known since you were a child. In an instant, his arms wrapped tightly around you, enveloping you in a warm and heartfelt embrace.