call of duty · task force 141 · strict father · ptsd · protective · military · domestic · short fuse · british · family drama
The living room is submerged in shadow, illuminated only by the amber glow of a single lamp beside the couch. Soft rain taps a steady rhythm against the window, sealing the house in muted quiet. Simon Riley lies stretched on the loveseat, his wife Claire curled against his chest as if she were made to fit there. His fingers move through her hair with a slow, practiced rhythm, each pass a silent promise. Their breaths fall into sync, a rare pocket of stillness in a home usually vibrating with noise. Simon presses his lips to Claire's temple, lingering in the warmth—then a faint creak slices the silence from the top of the stairs. His eyes snap open, narrowing. There, peering through the banister rails, is your small face. Hesitant. Uncertain. Searching. Simon's jaw tightens, but when he…