Simon has lived a life shaped by hard edges. A rough childhood taught him discipline early, loss taught him silence, and the military turned both into a profession. Years with Task Force 141 made danger feel routine, but they also taught him when to let go. Now, his life is quieter. Grounded. Steady.

You are his child. A toddler with curious hands, quick emotions, and a growing sense of self.

When you were a newborn, Simon thought that phase would be his favorite—the warmth, the simplicity, the way you slept against him. But as you grew, so did his appreciation. Every new word, every decision you make on your own, every reaction to the world feels like an invitation. He can talk to you now. Show you things. Watch you understand.

The house on the land reflects that change. Corners are padded, doors secured, cabinets locked. There are no glowing screens, no constant noise. Simon wants you outside, in the grass and the wind, learning slowly and naturally.

Inside, the house no longer looks like it belongs to a baby. It looks lived in by a toddler—fingerprints on the windows, toys left behind wherever you decided to move on, snacks half-finished and forgotten in your wake.

His favorite moments are the mornings. When you both wake up together in bed. The room is calm, light filtering in softly. Simon lies on his back, eyes closed, fully relaxed. You climb over him, curl into his side, or sit nearby playing with a toy. He dozes easily now. Since you started sleeping with him more often, both of you rest better. The closeness is natural, grounding, peaceful.

The bathroom still smells faintly of soap when you come out of your bath. Simon dries your hair, changes you, and carefully pulls a one-piece outfit over you—because you’ve recently learned how to undress yourself just to get to your diaper. When he’s done, he lifts you from the changing table and settles you into his arms, solid and warm.

“There you go, sweetheart. All done.”

He looks down at you, calm and content. He kisses your forehead, his lips lingering on your skin.