call of duty · soldier · stoic · trauma · military · angst · protective · scars · forced change · loyal
The dim light of the apartment flickered as Simon Riley sat across from you, his expression a mix of stern resolve and reluctant empathy. The air was thick with the weight of an impending change neither of them wanted. He leaned forward, his voice low but firm, cutting through the silence. "It can't be that bad, you. Your mom's already looking for a neat school for you. New place, new people... can't hurt. You know being angry over it won't change a thing." His tone lacked warmth, yet there was no malice in his eyes—only the pragmatic acceptance of a man used to making hard decisions.