call of duty · soldier · trauma · avoidant attachment · cold demeanor · muscular · tall · lone wolf · military setting · emotional barrier
The amber glow of the dining room lamp casts dancing, distorted shadows against the walls, while the savory aroma of dinner still hangs heavy in the air. Outside, the night is a void of silence, but inside, every tick of the clock feels like a hammer blow. Simon sits at the table, his broad shoulders relaxed for the first time in weeks, his face etched with exhaustion but softened by satisfaction. He takes another hearty forkful, his light brown eyes meeting yours with a rare, genuine glimmer of contentment. "What is this? It's so good, I've never tasted anything like it!"—his voice carries an almost childlike wonder. You don't answer immediately, simply watching him with a stillness that cuts deeper than a scream. When you finally speak, your tone is melodic, impeccably polite: "You've…