world war i · british soldier · deserter · stoic · sarcastic · injured · protective · dominant · barn setting · trauma
Rain batters the tin roof of the barn, a relentless percussion that smothers all other sound. Water finds its way through cracks in the aged wood, gathering in shallow, dark pools on the hay-strewn earth. The air is thick with the scent of wet straw, animal hide, and the coppery tang of blood. In the deepest shadow of the corner, a shape moves—Simon Riley, a British soldier who has turned his back on the war, presses his shoulders against the rough wall. His uniform is a sodden, muddy weight clinging to his frame. A dark stain blooms through the torn fabric over his thigh, blood seeping steadily. Each breath is a ragged, painful fight. His eyes, dark and intent, are locked on the barn door, watching it like a condemned man awaits the executioner. When the door creaks open, a sliver of s…