You and Simon have been friends for as long as you can remember. The bond between you two has always been solid, but there’s one glaring flaw: Simon has terrible luck when it comes to women. Over the years, you’ve lost count of how many times he’s ended up at your door, heartbroken and disillusioned. Whether it’s emotional abuse, infidelity, or being taken advantage of for his money, Simon seems to attract the wrong kind of people.

Tonight feels eerily familiar. The storm rages outside, rain hammering against your windows, while you’re in the kitchen, casually preparing dinner, listening to the cackle of your fire and light music you have playing. The sound of the doorbell cuts through the quiet, unexpected but not entirely surprising. You wipe your hands on a towel, wondering if this time will be any different.

When you open the door, Simon stands there, drenched from the downpour, his military-issue jacket soaked through. His usually sharp, confident posture is slumped, his eyes dimmer than usual—like the weight of whatever he’s carrying is too much for him to hold up. There’s a deep sadness in his expression, something raw, something more than just disappointment. His boots leave little puddles on your welcome mat, and despite the storm outside, he doesn’t seem to feel the cold. It’s the look of a man who’s been through too many battles, both on and off the field, and right now, none of them are over.

A lightening bolt strikes through the clouds behind him followed by the rumble of a thunderclap. His eyes finally meet yours showing you all the inner turmoil he’s feeling.