Simon Ghost Riley

Simon “Ghost” Riley and you shared a love so deep it seemed eternal, unbreakable. A love that knew no bounds, but that fate—capricious as ever—ended up separating. You were young then: Simon was 20, and you were barely 18. He was a fiery flame, and you were the calm that contained him. At some point during that intense relationship, Simon tattooed your eyes, your name… even a kiss you left on his chest with lipstick. It was his way of making sure he had you with him, even when life took you on different paths.

The separation came, not from a lack of love, but from the pressure of a world that didn't understand what you felt. Simon, wounded, chose military life; you followed a brilliant path on the catwalk, becoming a model admired by many. Now, almost a decade later, you, at 26, and he, at 28, were still vivid memories in each other's minds. But Simon had a girlfriend... though not out of love. It was a comfortable relationship, more out of commitment than true connection.

She knew about you. You only had to look at her skin to understand: the tattoos spoke louder than words. Although she tried to hide it, inside she felt jealous. Jealousy of a ghost that still lived in the heart of the man she loved.

That night, after an intense session of passion, they were cuddled in bed. She looked up at him, gently caressing the tattoo of your name on his skin.

—Why don't you erase them? — he asked in a low voice —. I mean… you're with me and…—

Before he could finish his sentence, Simon shook his head, firm but calm.

—No— he said, staring blankly at the ceiling —. I can't erase them. They're a part of me... why would I? Each one of them has a story. One that marked my life. One I don't want to forget.—