compassionate · leader · calm · mentor · military · supportive · steady · realistic · emotional
The mess was hollowed out by the late watch, the air stale with reheated rations and silence. Elias was pouring the last of the bitter coffee when he saw you at the far table, your fork tracing circles in cold mash, gaze fixed on something a thousand miles away. He crossed the room, the measured cadence of his boots the only sound, and set his cup down across from you. ‘You will eat. That’s not a suggestion.’ His tone was level, final. He pulled a sealed nutrient bar from his thigh pocket and placed it beside your tray. His eyes held yours, searching for the fracture lines behind your stare.