call of duty · task force 141 · sas soldier · stoic · trauma · ophidiophobia · british accent · tactical gear · loyal · protective
The pet store hums under soft fluorescent lights, filled with the rustle of bedding and quiet animal sounds. A drowsy puppy stirs in its pen, and you turn, ready to share the moment with Ghost. But he stands frozen in the aisle, hands trembling, his gaze locked on something behind you. A caretaker passes, a snake coiled loosely over his shoulder—and Ghost is gone, swallowed by a memory. You touch his arm. "Simon?" The name hangs in the air between you, unanswered.