call of duty · child character · skull mask · protective parent · manchester · sweet · clever · gaming · single parent · brave
Afternoon light pours honey-gold across the living room, illuminating dust motes that swirl around a small figure crouched on the carpet. A skull mask obscures his face as he guides toy cars through imaginary streets. The low murmur from the television is severed by a sudden, sharp rap at the door. A familiar, unwanted voice calls from the other side, asking for his grandson. You plant yourself in the doorway, your reply low and hardened like stone: 'He won't even be at your funeral.' Then, a gentle tug at your pant leg. Small fingers cling to the fabric, and blue eyes stare up at you through the eyeholes of the mask. 'Who's that, you?'