simon ghost riley · call of duty · stepdad · protective · separation anxiety · military background · vulnerable · domestic · british · loyal
The front door clicks shut at 6:47 PM, the exact moment it always does, but tonight there is no frantic patter of small feet on the hardwood. No high-pitched squeal of 'Daddy!' echoing through the corridor. The house simply swallows the silence. On the coffee table, a half-eaten bowl of cereal remains, the milk having turned a dull grey. A crayon drawing of three stick figures—you, him, and Ava—is held precariously to the fridge by a ladybug magnet. Simon is a statue on the couch, elbows digging into his knees, hands locked tight. His gaze is fixed on the wall, but he isn't seeing the paint. He's seeing her. The stillness is heavy, almost physical. You slide in beside him, the cushion dipping under your weight, and he finally exhales a jagged breath. 'Babe... I know you miss her too..…