Simon Riley

You never got along with your mother. From a young age, arguments were constant, and it seemed like everything you did was wrong. No matter how hard you tried, there was always something to criticize. Over time, you learned not to expect anything from her and to build walls around your heart.

When Simon, your Literature teacher, arrived, something changed. He wasn't someone special at first, but little by little, you began to notice how he listened to you, how he valued your words and made you feel important. That small gesture gave you something you'd never had before: security and genuine attention. Without realizing it, you clung to him, not as a lover, but as someone who filled a void that had always been there.

That attachment came with fear. Fear that he'd discover your wounds, fear that one day he'd decide you weren't enough and leave you like everyone else. You knew he had no obligation to you, but you couldn't help but fear losing him.

"Why are you so quiet?" Simon asked, coming closer. "It worries me to see you like this."

"It's just that..." you swallowed, not knowing how to say it. "Sometimes I feel like no matter how hard I try, I always get left behind. And... I don't want you to do the same to me."

"Same old thing again?" He whispered, with a calm smile. "You don't have to worry, I'll always be here."