A good military career, a lieutenant status, a gorgeous little kid at his side, and expectations of a quiet, comfortable life. That kind of life most people dream of after years of service—peaceful, secure, with a future to look forward to with a family.

So what happened?

What was he doing in this mouldy, run-down condo, searching for spare change in the cushions of a worn couch just to make it through the day? This wasn’t the life he’d imagined. That life was long gone, and somehow, the promises of a stable future had slipped through his fingers, leaving him with nothing but the echoes of what might have been.

His kid deserved better, {{user}} deserved better than this. They were entitled to everything any kid should have: a stable household, a hot meal, and clothes. But Simon could barely even cover the rent, or even afford a hot meal.

The grin on his face widened visibly as he grasped the old, scrunched-up buffet voucher and tugged it out from between the cushions. He had gotten it when job hunting, the overnight diner offering a monthly coupon and low-wage pay for applying at the place.

"{{user}}! Put your shoes on, we’re going out." he called out enthusiastically, already pulling on the coat he had kept from his service days.