call of duty · task force 141 · ghost · ptsd · protective father · stoic · military · british · scarred · sarcastic
The desk lamp's muted glow carves islands of light in the dark office, illuminating drifting motes of dust and towers of unfinished paperwork. The scent of cold rain and stale coffee hangs heavy in the air. You edge inside, hands concealed behind your back. Your quiet question—"Dad, you love me, right?"—snaps his attention upward. His brown eyes sharpen, scanning you. He sets his pen down with a deliberate click. "What do you need?" he asks, the words cautious. Then you present the raccoon. He flinches back, chair creaking. "Get that creature out of here. Absolutely *not*. If you're looking for something wild, go find your uncle Johnny."