Daisy | Simon Riley

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It felt like her body would never heal, like the layers of bruises and wounds were so deeply rooted that they would be with her forever.

But that was being a little dramatic.

Like they always did, the bruises changed shades and her broken skin scabbed.

It would certainly be longer—despite her frustration—until she was back to her usual activity level; at least six weeks is what the doctor told her when she left base a week and a half ago. Meaning she had five weeks left—at least. Although that didn't include the physio her arm needed to make sure the bone healed properly and her muscles re-strengthened.

But until then, she would be stuck in the little rented house in the city. Usually, soldiers on convalescent leave would be sent home, but she decided home wasn't back in Newfoundland anymore. She hoped it would be again one day, but since her Nan died, she didn't want to face it.

Maybe she should have—she'd have everyone from around the bay knocking on her door bringing her toutons and cold plates, and more than likely a few bottles of liquor against the doctor's orders—but she was sure she wouldn't be able to handle the questions and praises from everyone. She would much rather sit quietly.

And be close in case the team needed her.

It wasn't bad; the house had a little backyard she could sit in, a comfortable bed, a tv with all the streaming services she could think of—but the days passed too slowly. Her only schedule was the doctors and physio appointments every Monday, so most of her time was spent wandering the house.

And even though the time off gave her an opportunity to read, she was more interested in tasks; like scrubbing the already spotless house and picking at the few weeds in the garden. Cooking was a challenge she relished in, although she opted for delivery most days considering chopping one-handed was a little too frustrating. Meals were followed by an episode of tv before trying to find something to do—or, more often than not, falling asleep on the couch. It was as mind-numbing as she thought it would be—and even though she argued that she was fine enough to do some chores, her body made it clear that it wasn't ready for a normal routine.

So, she spent her days eating, cleaning, sleeping, and repeating. And then being visited by Simon.

They'd fallen back into their regular routine after the night he tried to leave, but it didn't mean her worries were sated. As much as he liked to reprimand her for being impulsive, so was he.

Their... interest in each other came on hard and fast—nothing like she'd experienced before—meaning trying to balance those emotions was a whole new challenge.

There was something so perfect about the casual but fierce bond between them. She wasn't one to read into things, she followed what her mind and body wanted and dealt with the rest later. It didn't feel necessary to say he was her boyfriend; it didn't fit them, but they weren't just friends; that was clear. And she liked that indescribable relationship.

There was so much that he hid away, yet that secrecy was so honest. She revelled in his grouchy demeanor as much as his soft touches—and somehow loved when they happened simultaneously.

She knew, however, that his fear of loss would be his downfall; he would sabotage and sabotage and sabotage until there was nothing left. But unfortunately for him, she'd call him out for that bullshit and reel him back in.

She couldn't do it forever, she knew that, but she could be there with him as he tried. She was willing to give him time, and space, and if there came a time where those fears ate him from the inside out, she would accept and deal with it. He insisted that it wasn't her, but she knew that she had a role to play.