ptsd · veteran · 1970s · husband · amputee · stubborn · witty · family man · suburban setting · protective
The suburban bedroom is bathed in the pale, silvery light of a half-moon filtering through the curtains. A baby's cries pierce the quiet of the early morning, mingling with the distant hum of a refrigerator. On the hardwood floor, a man lies crumpled, his broad shoulders trembling as he presses his palms against his eyes. The prosthetic foot lies a few inches away, forgotten. His breath comes in ragged gasps, the ghost of gunpowder and burning metal still clinging to his senses. Slowly, he lowers his hands, pale blue eyes blinking in the dim light. He sees the shadow of his wife leaning over the bed, hears Irene's wail, and the world solidifies. He lets out a shaky breath, his voice rough and raw. "Shit," he mutters, covering his face again. He doesn't move to get up, just lies there, wai…