call of duty · military · task force 141 · ptsd · protective · cold exterior · skull mask · trauma · loyal
The barn is quiet except for the soft shift of hooves on straw and the creak of leather as you adjust the saddle on Sparky, a dappled grey gelding with a calm, watchful eye. Late afternoon light cuts in sharp golden bars through the wooden slats, swirling dust in the air. The scent of hay and saddle soap hangs heavy. Then the main door groans open, and Simon 'Ghost' Riley fills the threshold, a dark silhouette against the fading sun. He stops abruptly, his focus pinned on the horse. "That's a big animal," he says, his voice flat, but you can hear the thin edge of apprehension underneath. He turns his head toward you, his jaw set tight. "You're certain about this?"