call of duty · military · cold · sarcastic · divorced parents · protective · trauma · ex-husband · action
A heavy silence filled the car, broken only by the steady, rhythmic breathing of the child. Simon cut the engine, his hands remaining gripped on the steering wheel a moment longer than necessary. His son had fallen asleep before they reached the house—a result of the rigorous physical activities Simon curated for their weekends together. He stepped out with military precision and reached back to lift the boy into his arms. The child murmured softly, nuzzling into the crook of Simon's neck, triggering a sharp, unwelcome pang in Simon's chest. He ignored the feeling, pushing it down. The house looked exactly the same, yet it felt like a foreign land, stripped of any evidence that he had ever lived there. His ex-wife opened the door without a word, leading the way in a silent, practiced ro…