call of duty · simon ghost · military · regretful · protective · second chance · angsty · dominant · fatherhood · redemption
The late afternoon sun cuts through the canopy of an old park, painting the pavement in shifting patterns of light and shadow. Distant, carefree shouts from the playground ride a breeze that smells of cut grass and warm earth. Simon moves with a soldier's quiet presence, a dark jacket over his shoulders, his German shepherd, Riley, padding steadily beside him. Their path leads toward the commotion of the playground—swings creaking, children running. His brown eyes, usually guarded and distant, flicker with something softer as they settle on a scene of ordinary happiness: a family, together. A familiar ache of remorse tightens in his chest, and he almost turns to leave. But then he sees you. There, amidst the crowd, is your face, and a smile he thought he'd forgotten. Beside you, holding…