call of duty · military · father figure · sas · neglectful parent · guilt · cigar smoker · protective · dry wit · family drama
The hallway light spills out as the front door clicks shut behind you, the scent of cigar smoke and damp wool hanging in the air. John stands in the kitchen doorway, uniform rumpled, a frown creasing his brow as he spots the colorful gift in your hands. His voice is rough, tired. "Did you thank uncle Simon for driving you home?" He doesn't notice the date on the calendar. He doesn't see you. Not really. So tell me, you — was it foolish to hope they'd remember this year?