A Collection of Short Stories | Simon Riley "Ghost" x Reader

silent tidings

The first morning after Simon was deployed was the hardest.

The bed felt too big, too empty, without the weight of his presence next to you.

You could still faintly detect the musky scent of his cologne on the pillow beside you, a cruel reminder of the man you'd grown so accustomed to having by your side.

Simon: Hey, just landed. It's... different here. Can't say much else. Thinking of you.

The message brought a brief respite from the hollow feeling. You clutched the phone close, imagining the warmth of his hand instead.

You: Glad you made it safely. Keep your head down. I love you! Talk soon

Days turned into weeks, and the emptiness began to settle in your bones.

Every notification on your phone sent a flutter through your heart, hope flaring bright.

But often, it wasn't him.

When it was, the texts were sporadic, brief, just enough to let you know he was alive.

Simon: Power's been patchy. Don't worry if you don't hear from me. Just... remember our promise.

You: Always. Just focus on what you need to do.

The screen's glow, usually a beacon of connection, now only intensified the distance between the two of you.

You'd lie in bed, running your fingers over the last message he'd sent, trying to decipher any hidden nuances, any indication of how he truly felt out there, alone in an unforgiving environment.

The weight of not knowing, of imagining worst-case scenarios each time a day passed without a message, was a burden too heavy to bear alone.

Yet, you tried to put on a brave face for the world, mirroring the same courage you believed Simon was showing on his end.

Simon: Long day. Miss your voice. Sometimes, when it's quiet, I can almost hear you laughing.

You: Hold onto those, Simon.

As days turned into nights and back into days again, the routine became all too familiar.

The longing, the fear, the silent prayers that he'd remain safe, and the paradoxical guilt of wanting him back so desperately when you knew the importance of his mission.

Each sunset was a day closer to his return, yet with each sunrise, the realization hit that there was still so much time left to endure.

You: You wouldn't believe it. The cat knocked over the vase you said was "un-knock-over-able"

Simon: Ah, so she's accepted the challenge, huh? Guess I owe you dinner when I'm back

Simon: Heard a song today that reminded me of our road trip last summer. Remember singing off-tune to the radio?

You: Off-tune? Speak for yourself, Mr. I-Can't-Hit-The-High-Notes

You: Watched a movie tonight. Romantic one. Ugh, so cheesy, but kinda missed having you there to mock it with me

Simon: Give it a rating out of 10. If it's above 5, we're watching it together when I get back.

You: The next-door neighbor tried to flirt with me today. Told him I'm taken by a guy who could probably bench-press him. His face was priceless!

Simon: Hahaha, that's my girl! But for real, he better watch out. Ghost's got her back.

Simon: Got your letter and the photo. It's on my bunk now. Makes the nights easier. Thank you.