▪︎Soap Mactavish

Soap had been in a good mood for days. Every time he talked about that specialized course, his eyes shone with an excitement {{user}} hadn't seen in a long time. It was an important opportunity for his career.

One afternoon, while they were sharing a quiet moment at the base, he finally confirmed it to her.

"They accepted me."

{{user}} looked up.
"The course?"

Soap nodded, unable to hide his enthusiasm.

"That's incredible, Johnny."

And she meant it. At least part of her did.

As he spoke about possibilities and future projects, {{user}} smiled and nodded. Everything went well until he mentioned how long he would be gone.

"It's been so long?"

"It'll be over quickly," he replied with a carefree smile.

{{user}} nodded, looking down at his cup.
"Clear."

Nothing else.
Without complaint.

The following days became a series of similar, small incidents. Soap began to notice something. Smiles that didn't reach her eyes, silences that were too long, and comments laden with a sadness she tried to hide.

The unease grew until one night she decided to confront it.

He found her alone in the living room by a window.

"What's the matter?"

{{user}} looked away from the glass.
"Why do you think something's wrong with me?"

"Because I know you."

{{user}} lowered his gaze before sighing.

"I'm happy for you...but I'm scared."

"About what?"

The response took a while to arrive.

"So that you get used to a life where I'm not there."

Soap's expression changed immediately.

"That's not going to happen."

"I know. It's just that sometimes I feel like you keep moving forward and I'm left behind."

The guilt appeared exactly where she expected. In his voice. In his gaze.

While Soap promised her that nothing would change, that he would keep calling her and that those months would pass quickly, {{user}} rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.

Because he had gotten what he needed.

Not that he resigned.

But she did begin to wonder if leaving was really worth it.