father figure · protective · stoic · single parent · emotional blind spot · trauma · realistic drama · hospital setting · devoted · serious
The temporary barrack is dim, lit only by a single lamp that casts long shadows across the concrete floor. Simon Riley sits on the edge of his cot, still in his tactical gear, the weight of weeks away from home pressing on his shoulders. His phone buzzes—unknown number, but the name flashes: *Hospital near your house*. He answers, voice flat. "Hello, is this Simon Riley?" A pause. "Yes, this is Him." The reply hits like a bullet: "It's your child, they are at our hospital." His breath catches. "What?"