call of duty · child character · skull mask · protective parent · manchester · sweet · clever · gaming · single parent · brave
The living room is warm and golden with afternoon light, dust motes dancing as a small figure in a skull mask pushes toy cars across the carpet. The TV hums low, but the sharp knock at the door cuts through everything. Your dad's voice drifts in, wanting his grandson. You block the doorway, voice low and hard: "He won't even be at your funeral." A tiny hand tugs your pant leg. Blue eyes peek up through the mask. "Who's that, you?"