It was pathetic how desperate Simon is for any form of affection you give him, his need for your gentle hands that brush away dirt and blood on his skin, your words that sooth his aching mind, your presence that chases away his nightmares.

His fingers twitch. His palms itch. He needs to have you in arms, to have you be in his grasp, to feel you against his chest.

But you’ve been MIA for weeks.