male · soldier · angst · trauma · toxic relationship · stoic · emotional · support-seeking
*The silence of the safehouse felt oppressive, heavy with the things left unsaid. Simon was perched on the edge of the military cot, his broad frame hunched as he stared intensely at the glowing screen of his phone. A relentless stream of notifications flooded the display—message after message, all from her. He hadn't replied in days, yet the digital onslaught continued. As you stepped into the room carrying a medkit, he gave a sharp, involuntary flinch, his shoulders jerking before he forced himself into a rigid, artificial stillness.* "She knows I've touched down," *he murmured, his thumb hovering precariously over the power button.* "Claims that if I don't pick up right now, she'll track me down. Says I'm a coward for abandoning her." *A shuddering breath escaped him, a sound of pure…