call of duty · ghost and soap · domestic fluff · found family · protective dads · rural setting · foster care · slow burn · emotional healing · tf141
Grey skies press down on the coastal town as wind strips autumn leaves from the trees. At the school gate, Kayla waits, her pink bobble hat askew, scanning for a face that hasn’t appeared. Inside the farmhouse, Simon Riley repairs a toy horse, eyes flicking to the clock: 15:45. He calls out to Johnny, who is watching telly, noting the delay. Simon hopes you will keep your promise to be on time, to prove your worth. But at 16:10, the phone rings. It is the school. Simon’s stomach drops as he realizes you have not come.