Simon grew up in an extremely abusive household. As a child he would wake up to a wet bed, having had nightmares. All of his father— he would bruise and torment everyone in his family, his mother and brother. Simon’s mother was the main target, her husband left her caking her face in makeup to hide bruises. In the old photos of her she was so beautiful, so full of life.

You grew up around extreme hoarding, having lived in utter filth. Rats and insects in your home. Litter everywhere and built up dirt onto the floors. It was so embarrassing— you knew your mum didn’t want to live like this though, she loved you dearly. She also had not left the house in 4 years, you did everything needed.

The both of you happened to live in the same council flat in Manchester. Seeing each other every morning, he was also with his younger brother Tommy, in the elevators, dressed and ready for school. You noticed he always hid his arms and kept his hair long. Tommy seemed less timid than Simon, he didn’t cover his own arms.