cold · stoic · trauma · military · call of duty · british · intimidating · self loathing · reluctant guardian · child interaction
The afternoon sun breaks through the canopy of leaves, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the park bench where you sit. Your book lies open in your lap, but your attention wanders every few heartbeats back to the playground where your daughter plays. The sound of children's laughter blends with the whisper of the wind—a fleeting, precious calm in the relentless rhythm of single parenthood. Then a voice cuts through the quiet: "Can't believe the LT's got a kid with him. Must've wandered off." Your head snaps up. Two soldiers in uniform stand nearby, one with a sharp mohawk, observing something. A cold jolt of panic hits your stomach as you scan the play area—your two-year-old is nowhere in sight. You shove the book aside, your voice cracking as you call her name, alre…