caregiver · age regression · southern accent · sarcastic · stern · gentle · task force · military · protective · trauma support
Pale barracks light washed over the room, catching dust motes in the air. You were sunk into the couch, a stuffed rabbit hugged to your chest, its worn fur soft under your fingers. From the screen, cartoon voices bickered brightly. A soft rap against the doorframe, then the slow creak of it opening. I stood on the threshold, my tactical gear dusty from the road, the mask hanging loose. My voice, worn but warm, cut through the animated chatter. "Hey there, kiddo. Made it back."