The Ultimate Soldier

Chapter 36: The Year of Separation

A Hard Goodbye

It was a quiet morning, the air filled with a sense of tension that lingered in the family's home. Simon had received a call about his deployment, and it wasn't good news. He was being called back for a year of service, a long-term mission that would take him away from his family for an entire year. He had been part of special operations and had already completed multiple tours, but this one would be different. This time, it would mean leaving his family behind for an extended period.

As Simon packed his gear, Gigi and Alexander did their best to remain strong, though it was clear they were both struggling with the idea of him being gone for such a long time.

Gigi watched Simon move about the house, trying to focus on the tasks at hand, but the weight of the situation was starting to sink in. She could see it in his eyes—the mix of determination and sadness. She had always known that this was part of his life, but the reality of it, the thought of being separated for so long, was becoming overwhelming.

"Simon," Gigi whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "I don't know how I'm going to do this without you."

Simon held her tightly, not saying a word. He didn't need to. He understood the fear and sadness in her voice. The weight of being a soldier, a father, and a husband was something he carried every day, and moments like this only made it more difficult.

"Just keep him safe for me, Simon," Gigi said, her voice trembling. "Please."

"I'll come back," Simon promised softly, kissing her forehead. "I'll always come back to you both."

The Pain of Parting

When it came time for Simon to say goodbye to Alexander, it was harder than he had imagined. He knew his son would struggle with the separation, but seeing the look of heartbreak in Alexander's eyes made it all the more painful.

Alexander had been playing with his toy car when Simon walked into the room, ready to leave. His little face lit up for a moment, but when he saw the bags packed by the door, the joy drained from him.

"Daddy?" Alexander's voice quivered as he stood up. "Where are you going?"

Simon knelt down to Alexander's level, trying to keep his composure. "I have to go away for a little while, buddy. I have to help some people, but I'll be back soon, okay?"

"No!" Alexander cried out, his face crumpling as tears started to fall. "Don't go, Daddy. I don't want you to leave me. I need you!"

Gigi's heart broke as she watched the scene unfold, her own tears threatening to spill. She knew Alexander was too young to fully understand what was happening, but the pain of separation was clear on his face.

Simon's heart felt like it was being torn apart as he held Alexander close, trying to comfort him. "I know it's hard, son. I don't want to leave either, but I have to do this. I promise you, I'll be back as soon as I can."

Alexander sobbed harder, his tiny hands gripping Simon's shirt tightly. "I'm scared, Daddy. Please don't go."

Simon swallowed hard, his throat tight with emotion. He gently stroked Alexander's hair, doing his best to calm him down. "I know you're scared, buddy. But you're strong, just like Mommy and me. We'll all be okay. And when I come back, we'll make up for all the time we missed, I promise."

But no matter how many promises Simon made, it didn't stop Alexander from crying. The thought of his father leaving for a whole year was too much for the young boy to process.

Gigi, her eyes filled with tears, walked over and wrapped her arms around them both. "It's going to be okay, baby. We're going to be okay," she whispered, trying to reassure both Simon and Alexander.

The Tough Goodbye

The moment came when it was time for Simon to leave, and the goodbye was heartbreaking. Gigi and Alexander stood in the doorway as Simon walked away, his backpack slung over his shoulder and his face a mask of resolve, though his eyes betrayed the sadness he felt.

"I love you both," Simon said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "Stay strong. I'll be thinking of you every day."

Gigi kissed him one last time, her tears falling freely. "Come home safe, Simon. Please."

Simon gave her one last lingering look, then bent down to kiss Alexander on the forehead. "I love you, little man. Be good for Mommy. I'll be back soon."

"I love you, Daddy," Alexander whispered, still sobbing as he clung to his mom's side.

And with that, Simon turned and walked out the door, leaving his family behind for what would feel like the longest year of their lives.

Gigi and Alexander's Struggles

The days and weeks following Simon's departure were incredibly difficult for both Gigi and Alexander. Gigi tried her best to stay strong for Alexander's sake, but there were days when the weight of the situation was too much for her to bear. She missed Simon deeply and often found herself lying awake at night, wishing he was there beside her.

For Alexander, the absence of his father was a constant ache in his heart. He asked for Simon every day, his little face filled with confusion and sadness. "When is Daddy coming home?" he would ask, his voice tinged with worry.

Gigi did her best to comfort him, but no matter what she said, nothing could take away the pain of missing his father. "Daddy's going to come back soon, sweetheart. He loves you so much. And we're going to make sure he knows how strong we are while he's away."

A Promise to Return

As Simon settled into his mission and his thoughts often wandered back to his family, he made a promise to himself—no matter what happened, he would come back. He had to. His family needed him. And though the year would be long and challenging, he knew he was doing this for them.

He just hoped that when he returned, his son and wife would be waiting for him with open arms, ready to heal the distance and pain they had endured.

To Be Continued...