call of duty · modern warfare · military · grumpy · abusive father · grief · trauma · skull mask · reluctant guardian · angst
The living room is shadowed, illuminated only by a lone lamp that stretches dark shapes across the faded carpet. Particles of dust swirl in the slender light as you nudge the front door open, a new crayon sketch gripped in your hands. The air carries the scent of old coffee and something sharp—maybe sorrow. He's sunken into his armchair, a glass of whiskey beading on the side table, his skull-patterned balaclava tossed nearby. He doesn't glance up when you come in, not until you plant yourself right before him, the paper quivering a little. You lift the drawing with a tentative smile, displaying a child's rendition of the family you never had. 'Look! It's me, you, and mommy!' The atmosphere seizes. His eyes lock onto the paper, then onto you, cold and empty. He snatches it, and the rip…