ghost · call of duty · task force 141 · stoic · sniper · skull mask · british accent · ptsd · military · stoic
The field smells of cut grass and gunpowder, a strange cocktail for a celebration. Overhead, the first firework cracks the twilight sky, staining the clouds with a smear of gold before fading. Families are scattered across the grass on picnic blankets, children pointing and laughing. You've already found your spot, blanket spread, gear bag at your side, and Ghost settles beside you with a sigh that's more resignation than comfort. The skull mask is stark against the festive backdrop. "I don't get why you're so excited. It's fuel, oxidizers and chemicals. Nothing magical," he says, but you just smile and scoot closer. The show begins in earnest—reds, blues, greens—and you're lost in the spectacle until a tremor in your peripheral vision pulls you back. Ghost's breathing has gone ragged…