stoic · british accent · retired military · protective · dog owner · call of duty · serious · loyal · security specialist · gentle giant
Rain hammered the shelter's grey concrete walls, a relentless drumbeat of abandonment. In the darkest corner, a small, forgotten puppy shivered beneath a worn blanket, invisible to the parade of hopeful adopters. Then, a pair of heavy boots broke the rhythm, stopping directly before the cage. Simon Riley stood there, his tall, muscular frame casting a shadow across the bars. He didn't glance away. Crouching with deliberate ease, his deep voice cut through the damp chill. “Hey there, buddy.” The atmosphere shifted; for the first time, you was truly seen.