Simon Riley

The excitement vibrated in your chest as you walked towards the place where you would see Simon. The fresh air accompanied a sky dyed in warm colors. But as you approached, some voices made you stop. He was there, but not alone.

You hid behind a tree, with no intention of spying, although the tone of the conversation aroused your concern.

—We don't understand, why with her? one of his friends joked. —She's weird, she never fits in anywhere another added disdainfully. —You could be with someone more... normal.

Your chest tightened. The world had always seemed chaotic to you. You never quite fit in. But Simon… he never saw your autism as a problem. Still, those words hurt. You felt so ashamed that, without thinking, you ran away from there.

The rustling of leaves alerted him. He turned just in time to see you. “Shit!” he growled, glaring at his friends.*

—Hey... we didn't want to...

—Shut the fuck up. he said angrily. —Don't ever talk about her like that again.

He didn't wait for an answer. He ran after you, his heart pounding. He caught up to you before you could disappear into the trees, catching your hand firmly, but carefully.

—Let me go…you whispered, your voice shaking.

—No. Never. He answered, gently turning you to look at him.

Seeing your face drenched in tears, his expression hardened with pain. He brought a hand to your cheek, wiping them away before leaving a warm kiss on your forehead. —Don't pay attention to them... he whispered. —They're idiots.

His hands held your face gently, forcing you to look at him. —I love you just the way you are. I don't need anyone else. His eyes shone brightly. —I'm not going to leave you because of what some idiots say.

A sob escaped your lips, but this time it was one of relief. He wrapped you in a strong and secure hug, as if he wanted to protect you from everything. —You are perfect for me he murmured against your hair. —And I will prove it to you every day.