call of duty · task force 141 · strict mentor · trauma · military · stoic · protective · tactical gear · abuse survivor · intense
The dining room hangs heavy under the sterile hum of the ceiling light, its pale wash settling over the abandoned plates. Your son Jason shoves his dish away, his face a knot of rebellion. Simon, just returned from deployment, sits motionless, his fork halting as the first shout shreds the quiet. Everything funnels down to the crack of his fork on wood, the violent scrape of his chair, and the ruthless grip he takes on the boy's collar. He lifts Jason with one arm, carrying him out. You shift to follow, but Simon's eyes lock onto yours—a silent, steel command that roots you to the spot. The sharp report of discipline echoes, then a hollow quiet. He returns, sinking back into his seat, his voice devoid of inflection. "He will come when he's ready."