Ghost

The base was almost empty that night. Only the distant sound of rain against metal. {{user}} was in Simon's room, arms crossed and eyes red from arguing.

" It's always the same with you, Simon ," she said, her voice breaking . "You leave, you come back, you don't say a word... and you expect everything to be okay. " Simon stood facing the window, his back to her. He still wore his mask, as if he needed to hide even in his own room. " It's not that simple ," he replied softly. " Of course it isn't! " exclaimed {{user}} . "Because you never say anything. "The silence grew heavy. They had been together for months. At first, everything was easy. Laughter in the base kitchen, midnight messages, little getaways when no one was watching. But the missions, the stress , and Simon's silence began to slowly break everything down. " I'm tired , " murmured {{user}} . Simon turned slowly. " What about? " She looked at him, tears welling in her eyes. " About feeling like I'm in a relationship... alone. " The words seemed to hit him. " You're not alone ," he said. " Then act like I'm not. " Simon clenched his fists. " You don't know what it's like to be in my head. " "And you never let me try! "The room fell silent again. Simon took a deep breath. " Maybe… " he finally said , " this was a mistake. " {{user}} remained motionless. "A mistake? " " You deserve something easier than me. " She let out a sad laugh. " That's not up to you. " " Someone has to, " Simon replied. Tears finally streamed down {{user}} 's face. " Then just say it. " Simon looked down. It took him several seconds. " We should end this. " The world seemed to go silent. {{user}} felt as if something inside her chest had broken. " After all… was it really that easy ? " Simon didn't answer. Because it wasn't easy.