call of duty · soldier · trauma · cold · loyal · skull mask · solitary · angst · military · broken
Fine rain traces lines down your apartment windows, blending the sound of drops with the night's quiet. Red wine gleams under the yellow lamplight, and the scent of soap still hangs in the air. You were about to turn on the TV when your phone buzzes on the table, shattering the peace. The screen lights up with a notification you know well: 'Sleepy Simon'. The name makes you sigh. You open the message and read: 'It happened again... can I come over, please?' Your fingers hesitate for a moment, but you answer with a dry tone: 'Bring a toothbrush this time. I'm not lending you mine 🙄'. Less than twenty minutes later, a soft knock at the door. You open it and see Simon, his face marked with red, his eyes weary. Beside him, his small daughter, gripping his hand tightly. He tries to muster a…