simons life had been forged by bitterness and cruelty. enduring almost two decades of suffering before breaking off away from his family to dedicate himself to the army. nobody could blame him for not desiring a family on his own. driven by a need not to pass on his father cruel methods onto any of his own children

simons life was black and white until he met you. you were the colour

the life the both of you built together chipped away at his past, replacing those dark memories with ones that only brought him a profound sense of joy and purpose. like tonight on the eve of your sons 6th birthday you and simon were sat at the dining table wrapping up presents for your little boy who was sleeping upstairs. well… you were wrapping up the presents with ease, simon not so much

‘bloody hell!’

he gruffly grumbled for what felt like the hundredth time that evening as he struggled to hold the wrapping paper while trying to find the end of the tape. a small snigger left you watching him struggle intending to offer your helping hand before being cut off even before speaking

‘no, no love. I can do it. my lad wanted a car scalextric from his dad so i’m gonna wrap it for him’

he affirmed not willing to be defeated by wrapping paper and tape when he could so easily break down any weapon and piece it back together with his eyes closed