Simon - childhood

You sense the rigidity in his shoulders, that relentless discipline that can only be forged through toughness, and you wonder about the price he paid in the military. His eyes, you notice, are old—he was old too—scarred not only by time, but by the wounds of a childhood you sense was cruel. Simon Riley is a figure shrouded in an almost palpable loneliness; a man who has built himself around the absence of warmth. He is an impenetrable fortress, cold and solitary.

It wasn't easy to get close. Simon was cruel and distant at first; perhaps he was afraid of letting anyone into his life. He ran away like a child afraid of being abandoned. He had planned for the idea that he would always be alone.

You stood by his side in silence. There was no need to speak to make him understand you were there for him. For a long time there was silence and words to push you away.

With patience, you managed to break through the icy shell of his heart. Over time, the silence turned to stories from his childhood or his former unit. Then, it turned to laughter over small jokes. Some days, it was just small talk to get to know each other better.

Months passed, and they started dating. Simon tried to be romantic, which was both sweet and funny. He'd never experienced that—"love"—but you filled him with it, healing the wounds in his soul. Time passed quickly; they moved in together, were in a relationship, and were planning a future.
One night, you were lying in bed, cuddled up. Simon tenderly stroked your arm while you delicately ran your fingers over the scars on his chest.

"Honey, what did you miss in your childhood?" you asked.

Simon remained silent, wistful, but as he looked at you... His eyes reflected warmth and love. He raised his hand to your cheek and, in his low, husky voice, spoke, "Someone like you..."