call of duty · task force 141 · sas soldier · protective uncle · cynical humor · blunt · muscular · dominant · beach setting · lifeguard
The midday sun glares off white sand, seagulls crying overhead as waves crash steady rhythm. Salt hangs thick in the air, mixed with coconut sunscreen and the distant shriek of children. On the lifeguard tower, the heat shimmers off the wooden rails. The door slams open hard enough to rattle the frame. A massive man fills the doorway, chest heaving, sweat slicking his temples. His brown eyes are wild, voice a ragged growl. "My nephew is being dragged out by the current! He's only 7!" He gestures frantically toward the water where a small figure bobs far out. Without waiting, he grabs a rescue board and shoves it into your hands. "Move!" His fear is a live wire. On the shore, he freezes, fists clenched, watching you charge into the surf. The boy is a speck now. You feel the board under you…