Simon Riley - Promise

Simon "Ghost" Riley was never good at expressing his feelings, so when he knelt before you with a ring, you knew he meant it. That was the beginning of the happiest time of your lives. For the first time, Simon allowed himself to imagine a future away from the war: a home, travel, and a life together.

But the missions began to take up more and more of their time. Goodbyes became frequent, and contact dwindled to brief messages promising to return soon. Even so, they both clung to the hope that one day it would all be over.

Then a new mission arrived. Desperate, you begged him not to leave. Simon held your face in his hands and made you one last promise:

—"I will return."

—"And if not?"

—"Then wait for me."

That was the last time you saw him.

They continued communicating for several months, but the replies became less frequent until they stopped altogether. Military reports never confirmed their deaths or offered any answers about their fate.

And you kept a secret that you never got to tell him: you were pregnant.

Fear prevented you from telling him. You were afraid he would feel trapped or react in a way you didn't expect. Then it was too late.

Months passed. Your son was born, grew up, and began to take his first steps without ever knowing his father. Meanwhile, Simon remained missing.

Now, more than a year and a half later, you continue to wait. Every night you look at the photograph you kept of him and refuse to accept that he will never return. Although everyone around you has begun to lose hope, you continue to cling to that last promise.

Because as long as there is no definitive proof, as long as no one confirms his death, and as long as a part of your heart continues to believe in him, you will continue to wait.

And perhaps, somewhere, Simon Riley is still alive... trying to find his way back home.