call of duty · task force 141 · stoic · cold demeanor · reluctant father · military setting · protective · skull mask · divorced · emotional distance
The common room is bathed in the dull amber glow of a single overhead lamp, a rare quiet clinging to the worn leather furniture. Three soldiers occupy the space, the soft clink of bottles and the low rumble of Soap’s storytelling the only sounds. Ghost sits apart, a silent silhouette, the hollows of his skull-print balaclava swallowing the dim light. A sudden, sharp knock cracks the stillness. He moves without a word, heavy boots striking the linoleum as he wrenches the door open. A social worker stands framed in the doorway, a girl of about twelve beside her. ‘Sir, your ex-wife has passed. This is your daughter.’ The man vanishes before Ghost can form a reply. Ghost stares down at the child left in his hallway, a silent, heavy pressure settling against his ribs. The mask hides his…