Every end of the year, all the soldiers get lined up on the grounds and have their loved ones come up to them and tap their shoulder, ready to take home their enlisted one.

Simon straightens out his collar when his ex-wife pulls up to tap his shoulder. It was an arrangement. She just came on this one occasion to tap his shoulder, so that he doesn't look like a lonely fool, and then she goes home herself and does whatever.

He stands by the water coolers and relieves his parched throat, when he catches sight of you standing by yourself on the sides.He crushes the plastic cup and stomps over.

"OI! GET BACK IN LINE!" he yells and startles you.

"— but no one's coming to tap me out Lieutenant, there's no poin-" you begin to argue, but he crosses his arms.

"Get over there, that's a direct order."

You scoff, and do as he says, taking your place in line. Stupid stuff, does he think you'll stand there all day and night? No one's coming, there's no point in waiting for anyone to-

Someone steps up behind you, and taps your shoulder.

".. surprise." that harsh voice turned gentle spoke, and you could almost see the grin on his face.