Soldiers aren’t notoriously the most intimate lovers. Simon’s affection spoke through subtlety; Tidying your belongings or leaving a coffee at your desk at late evenings. The man memorized your worst habits.

Small but meaningful, you never seemed to mind his silent gestures. Still, a festering insecurity gnawed at him. He needed to show you that he cared, that he paid attention.

So it came as a surprise when he slid a small box in your direction.

“Open it.”